Of course, Van Pelt can't allow this interview to end without getting a jab in that Rockets are paper tigers. Yeah, we all know we need better defense/rebounding, but let's focus on the surprising start considering the tough schedule, can we ESPN. We just passed San Antonio for 1st in Southwest Division, and SAS now has 3 home losses in a row. Oh, and Watkins sucks, too. See @Sydeffect's thread. http://bbs.clutchfans.net/index.php?threads/calvin-watkins.278434/
Heard an active player say this last week too. Can't remember where though, got my LP set up since then so I've watched a lot of content
Harden is playing PG but they will never treat him like one. IMAGINE if Curry, Lillard, or Paul was putting up numbers like this. IMAGINE if Russ was as efficient.
People didn't believe me when I said Harden is a much better player than Westbrook... yes, I even said that during last season when virtually everyone considered WB >> Harden. And no, it wasn't out of homerism, I always try to judge players as objectively as possible. Let's just not mention defense because obviously both are not that good. But offensively, where is the debate? is there one thing Russ does better than Harden offensively? Harden is a better shooter, finishes better around the rim, better at getting to the line, and much much better passer. Exactly what makes WB better than Harden? because he's more fun to watch? sadly, that's pretty much the reason, which is like saying Amare was better than Duncan. Supreme stupidity.
Ppl want to hate Harden because he doesn't fit their idea of a superstar. He's not athletic enough or doesn't play defense they way they want or they think because he draws fouls at a high rate that they are undeserved.
which is weird, because those are exactly the reasons why I LIKE Harden (except for the defense part.) I like that Harden does not solely rely on his athleticism, and dominates the game through finesse and technique. I really dig that. I like that Harden is skilled enough to be able to draw all those fouls from his defenders, which is a great weapon to have for off-shooting nights (and is why Klay will never be better than Harden.) Refs are not idiots, if there was some shady thing going on with his technique, then they would have stopped blowing whistle for him years ago. It's not happening, because he draws contact legitimately. Harden is the most technically sound guard out there, without all the flashes. He's basically the Tim Duncan of guards, minus defense. People should respect his game way more than they do now. Give me Westbrook for eye-candy stuff, give me Harden for legit basketball plays.
I like the Tim Duncan comparison. I personally don't care how you get it down. Flash or not. I just want efficiency
Absolutely, he is the most complete offensive player of our generation. LeBron and DeRozan can't shoot 3s, Curry, Durant and Lillard don't pass as well as Harden, and Westbrook is just inferior all-around. Harden is the real deal.
I hope the fact of our renegotiating his raise earlier than we had to in exchange for one more guaranteed year earns us some loyalty from Harden and that he remains a Rocket for life. Having him on our team... Well, it's the closest thing I've felt to when we had Hakeem. Though there's a lot of competition for the spot, I think Harden has secured his place as the second best Rocket in team history.
he's getting 15 assists......even with brewer clanking wide open 3's and our bigs fumbling easy dunks
I wonder how many attempted Assists he has per game. I have seen Capela fumble passes. I have seen others clank 3's . . . .I'm ok with those but the dunks and layups that are fumbled away is annoying Rocket River
a few of his passes to capela last night, spurs were intentionally fouling too. if he could just make his FT's they probably allow those dunks
And he has to win something, preferably with the team, MVP honors is good for himself but at the end numbers of Final and WCF appearances count more. And O'Brien trophies
I love Harden and think he could secure that spot, but it still belongs to Moses. Multiple MVPs and drug the Rockets to the NBA finals. Having said that, James might be there at some point, maybe after this season.