Are we just going to ignore James Harden's stellar defense?

Above all else, I think the biggest improvement of Harden this year has been his conditioning and increased, sustained strength. This has allowed him to be a difference maker on both sides of the court and essentially bully opponents offensively and defensively. Sometimes it seems like he is the only man on the court playing amongst boys.

I think this bodes well for the Rockets chances in the playoffs, as he is proving that even when his offensive game is a bit off, he can still be productive and even take over defensively. It's kind of insane to see what he is doing this year - from MVP to most improved player?!? Moving from elite to an all time great.

 

Harden’s D this year has been solid. Maybe not All-NBA but clearly above average. He’s been especially awesome in the post.

 

Lets not talk about it so teams keep getting induced that James cannot play defense lol. They will learn che plays D when he has to. The national media is always talking about his usage rate but James has accounted for that with the type of style he is playing with

 

In terms of strength the guy is a monster. It’s really crazy to think that he’s so much better than last year when he won MVP...

 

I've been in the minority with the sentiment that Harden is a good defender. He's carrying the most load than ANY alpha player I know of in History and is sustaining it year after year. I can totally understand if he has to conserve his energy from time to time.

However, this year, he's carrying probably the most load while playing GREAT defense in key/clutch moments. That's phenomenal and is a testament to his conditioning...which is World Class by the way.

If there were an "engineered" prototype for a basketball player...Harden would be it. He's got the durability, handles, decent athleticism, IQ, vision, Bag of moves, efficiency and DEFENSE.

Guy's got it all and I am just impressed (not by his nightly 40 points anymore) by his conditioning and dominance as a Houston Rockets NBA player.

 

Define "all NBA" and cite specific examples. I know you're not meaning to knock Harden by saying that...but that's just getting tired to hear people say. What exactly do people want from Harden? honest question.

How great was Kobe at defense? I've seen Kobe play as well as 80's and 90s basketball. I know what good defense looks like. Who are people comparing Harden's defense to? Are people being honest with the comparisons? all honest questions here.....

 

Not ignoring, just didn't want to jinx anything until we see how his conditioning is after having an insane usage this season. We're only a little over half way through only. They are running out of things to hate on Harden about though, all that is left is the constant too many FT argument and playoff performance (both of which are weak, but need something spectacular to happen to make these go away). From following these guys on social media, it seems like he's changed his lifestyle from his early 20s.

 

Ok thanks for replying but that's still a very subjective reason to "knock" Harden. Harden might not appear to be "engaged" but what we see is just what we see....not necessary reality. We don't know what goes on internally. I'm sure everyone has different ways of "locking" in and manifesting it.

What are important are results. And the results of Harden's defense speak for themselves. Harden has shown time and time again that his defense will be elite and on point when it matters. I'm more than fine with that.

Take the game against the Raptors (I believe). Harden had a key block on the perimeter in crunch time on I forget who. He's done that in other games in similar situations including the Warriors if I'm not mistaken. He's just been great and I for one believe he's an all time great.

He really really REALLY needs that one ring to solidify his legacy. I hope it happens for him.

 

Harden’s main weaknesses on the defense in previous years was ball watching when his man cuts and boxing out and to certain extent blow by on single coverage.

Credit the coaching staff espically Bzdelik on findings ways for Harden to be effective on the defensive end and Harden taking the opportunity and excelling in it.

It’s truly amazing on what he’s been doing on the offensive end while improving on the defensive end. As a previous poster mentioned, his conditioning is superb. Everything about Harden right now is beyond anyone's expectations or imagination. Even his leadership skills have been nothing short of amazing. It is truly remarkable that he has taken his game to another level in every aspect this past month. <insert blow your mind gif>

 

We're certainly not ignoring it, but you bet your ass most national pundits and all casual NBA fans (who also happen to be the most outspoken) are. If they can't make fun of his flopping and his crappy defense, they'd literally have nothing to live for.

 

Waiting for the EG defensive thread as well. He has been shutting down guards from driving and defending taller low post players.

 

His D is absolutely fine. His post-D has always been underrated. His transition D under McHale was the worst I have ever seen in my life in pro or college basketball. Take that for data.

 

Let's not forget, Harden's playoff defense has also never been a problem...certainly not like Curry's or Kyrie's. It's like the reverse of his offense narrative, "All Regular Season, but not playoffs" ... his past defense is missing in regular season but not playoffs.

How many times has the media ever said, "Rockets lost that playoff game because Team X exploited Harden's defense."

like non

 

I thought of posting this earlier
NO WE WILL NOT!!!!

Rocket River

 

Matt Moore told me Harden has been atrocious this year defensively.

 

Great point on Bzdelik influence. Also believe Paul and PJ have been positive influencers on D.

It takes a culture for true change to occur, love the teams chemistry from FO to coaching to players in leadership plus buy in by role players.