I agree, he is young and immature. At this time I would say he does not have the heart of a champion. I don't think Harden really sees the big picture yet. He needs to understand that other players look to him for leadership, because he's the best player on the team. Teammates do notice things like body language and effort. The truly great players, the players that have the heart of a champion, see the big picture, and lead the team with their words and their play on the court. I really don't think Harden wants to be a leader, but as his career goes on, maybe he will realize that he will have to step up and be a real leader to win a championship.
Shut up. This doesn't need a whole thread. Don't start warming up the train to send him outta town just like what happened with McGrady. Harden is more than capable to carry this team. Give credit to that pest Matthews, he is doing his job. Everybody needs to step up and hit shot and then give max effort on the defensive end. I'm tired of hearing ppl talk crap about our marque player. He is our superstar, and he is the one that will dictate how far this team goes. How about we support him and cheer him on and be fans that don't crap talk our own players and start threads on message boards about weather or not they have clutch genes. He's the leader of this team and we all need to send positive vibes his way because he has alot of pressure on him. If the thunder fall then the west is wide open. The pacers are done which gives the heat two more practice rounds before they turn it on. Everyone knows the potential this team has, its gonna take alot of work. We don't need pile on threads like this. We're gonna win tonight #believe
as the francis player. he needs to show great leadership like how Dwight is doing now. he's got to cut that strip club and hardcore partying off.
Silly question. He is a player that still has lots to learn. Do you remember last season when he always had the ball in clutch posessions and often did something really stupid - well this season he was one of the most clutch players in the league. Yeah this season in the playoffs he looks lost - he is trying different things and it is not working. This is another learning process for him. To answer the question: we can`t say yet.
He is 24 years old. He certainly cares enough to have that heart. By most accounts he has the work habits to do so. So far he seems to be getting a bit overwhelmed by playoff basketball, the incredible perimeter defense of the Blazers and the refs not giving the calls he normally gets. Remains to be seen whether he can be the main leader for a championship team.
I think the question at this point should be about his loyalty to the team, his contract expires in 3 years, doesn't it? If he doesn't win a title is he going to stick it out here or ditch for green pastures? I have no question if we don't win a title, Dwight will exit to get a ring; that's his number goal at this point; I think James is the key to what our team will look like in 3 years. James has to be a leader, and he has to convince not only Dwight but other potential free agents that he has the talent and leadership to build a team around.
This is a legit poll, it just should say "As of TODAY, do you feel Harden has the heart of a champion", as I'm sure the results reflect. For those of you who feel he can't be a champion until he's 27, I mean, that's some serious denial. Lillard is playing like a champion right now, and our own Sam Cassell not only played like a champion in his first year, but he helped the Rockets BE champions. Harden can choose to play like a champion right now if he wants to. He just hasn't chosen to. If you think you have to wait until he's 27, then you should expect them to lose and not complain. One of the reasons the Rockets are losing IMO is that Harden doesn't think he has much to do with that. Again, denial.
I think his "effort" on defense says a lot about his heart. Once he's achieved his individual goals, his heart will grow.
ps We'll see how Harden reacts to all of the growing media and fan sentiment saying he isn't playing like a champion. A champion will use it as fuel and vow to be even better, and acknowledge fans have good reason to feel that way. A 'non-champion' ('loser' is a little harsh) will blame the fans for not supporting him and being part of the problem why his play isn't excelling, then eventually ask to be traded because he doesn't feel wanted.
