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LAS VEGAS – Media time after Day 3 of USA Basketball training camp went a little long, because everybody was watching an extended game of “King of the Hill” between Kevin Durant, Paul George and James Harden. “King of the Hill” is a three-way game of one-on-one. Player 1 tries to score on Player 2. If he does, Player 2 steps off the floor and Player 3 comes in and to play defense. But if Player 2 gets the stop, he moves to offense and tries to score against Player 3. The game goes on until a player gets five buckets. That shouldn’t take long, but the trio played the game from several different spots on the floor. (Here’s a vine of a couple of right-elbow possessions.) By the time they were done, they had gone for a good 20 minutes or so, drawing quite a crowd of media, USA teammates, coaches, and other onlookers. And this was after a full practice. “It was intense,” George said afterward. “At the end of the day, we’re out here to get better. And there’s no better guys for me to go against, for myself to guard than KD and James. And James is quick and low to the ground and KD’s got the length, so it’s good for me, offensively, as well. But at the end of the day, we’re all here to get better and work hard. And I think we took it to another level.” Yes, that was George giving credit to Harden’s defense. At one point, Harden blocked Durant’s seemingly unblockable shot, getting in some trash talk afterward. http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2014/07/31/usa-camp-day-3-notes/
I get Harden's defense is bad, but the media makes a point to mention it every single time when talking about him. It gets old.
Out of the 3... I can c Harden play @age 35 without trouble.. Durant a little bit does overwork to come on his defender
While people on this forum complain about Harden and want him traded like he is some slappy this is what he is doing with USA Basketball: As noted in today’s story about Durant and George, those two and Davis are locks to start for this team. I’d guess that Rose looks really good (like 90/10) to start at point guard and Harden is the most likely starter (65/35) at the two. Guess he must be playing some defense over there
I don't think people realize how gifted an offensive player Harden is. When looking at the complete offensive game (shooting, passing/vision, ball handling, attacking the rim, scoring, etc) LeBron is the only one better. Durant and Melo are better pure scorers but they don't have the handles, vision, or passing ability that Harden or LeBron have. And he is 24 turning 25. Let that sink in.
Yep. As far as overall offensive impact goes my list is as follows... Lebron Durant Paul/Harden/Curry Personally I'd take Harden over Curry and Paul, but can't fault others for choosing otherwise.
Good post! And that is how I see it as well. I would probably go LeBron, Durant, Harden, Paul, then Curry. Curry can't draw fouls because of his frame and potential injury risk and requires his teammates to help get him open a little more than the others. It would be tough for him to put points on the board if his shot is off whereas Harden could bogard to the basket for 15+ FTs if need be.
http://www.si.com/nba/2014/07/31/usa-basketball-fiba-world-cup-spain-kevin-durant-jerry-colangelo-mike-krzyzewski
Harden will be an absolute beast next season. He can play D if he wants. And if he wants, this version of the Rockets will be amazing to watch.
