Harden edged out by Irving for No Defense Player of the Year, but makes No Defense First Team

Just one more fun stat. According to basbetballreference.com, Harden has the 2nd best DWS (Defensive Win Share) on the team. I wouldn't use his DWS to argue that James is our second best defender because it just doesn't match my eye test. But it's still good to see Harden's name near the top of a defensive statistic. See http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/2014.html. Scroll down to advanced stats.

 

Old but hilarious tweet

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Rockets new video room. Defensive mistakes will be nearly life sized on the 20ft x 13ft screen! <a href="http://t.co/A4f7rII3E6">pic.twitter.com/A4f7rII3E6</a></p>&mdash; Daryl Morey (@dmorey) <a href="https://twitter.com/dmorey/statuses/432915740484583424">February 10, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

Congratulations Harden!
You deserve it!

 

24 years old is not an excuse. His defense would not get any better if he is not willing to work hard to improve his defense.

 

think he's too busy at the strip joints for that.

 

exactly why stats are misleading...

 

I bet if there was a reliable NBA Stat for individual defense Harden would start putting some effort on D.

 

Very good point. Since there is no good stat for individual defense, players aren't as motivated on the defensive end.

The only glamorous defensive number is blocked shots. But being able to block shots does not make a guy a good defender. We have witnessed how Terrence Jones fared.

 

Disagree on the first point, and agree on the second. Jones is not a good rotational defender, and plays soft for his size.

However, I don't think having a good individual defense stat means players will be more motivated. Do you not think that teams around the league look at defensive tape when giving contracts?

This would be very irrelevant. The "reliable stat" is known as watching the tape. The Rockets watch film every day, and I can guarantee it every team in the NBA knows. Somebody needs to hold him accountable.

 

It's not so hard to see it. difference is who gonna be the big mouth and tell it. It's just a matter of time national media/commentators start to talk about it, H town media been spoiling him by keeping their mouth shut but for 2 yrs I dont see any good for the development either for the team or Haren himself, things just getting worse. dont know why even on this board ppl wanna keep spoiling him. if the guy is taking max contract cap space and net negative overall for the team in the playoff, and not showing effort to improve or result in not much change, u gotta move his a**, plain and simple business sense for a team going for the champ.

 

Again for those who put stock in Zach Lowes opinion.

Today's BS Report
http://cdn16.castfire.com/audio/303...erer=http://grantland.com/podcasts/bs-report/

Simmons asks "who holds the championship belt for 2 guards, Thompson?

Lowe immediately responds "oh James Harden"

Simmons then goes on to say he doesn't really consider him a 2 guard in the traditional sense, but just something to think about.

 

Man... Imagine a backcourt of Harden and Irving.

Even the 2005-2006 Rockets' backcourt featuring Rick Brunson and John Lucas III would drop about 60 points combined on a nightly basis on them.