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Can harden get better than this?

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by ThatboyPhuong, Dec 26, 2018.

  1. MD_in_Training

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    His development of the floater was truly impressive. The first time he pulled it out was the season after losing to the Spurs in 6. In that series, Pop made the adjustment of having Aldridge and Gasol fall back into the paint against Harden's drive, and never left more than one arms length distance from Capela. That way, their bigs were able to challenge Harden's layup last second, while not allowing the CC alley-oop. I have never seen Harden more flabbergasted than in that series.

    Now a few seasons later, he's hitting that floater at 50-60% clip. His drive is now more or less unstoppable once he beats his man. If the big commits to Harden, then CC gets a dunk. If they stick to CC, then Harden has an open layup. If they fall back to the paint, then they give Harden enough room for the floater. If the big commits to Harden, and they bring a weak side defender against CC, then PJ open in the corner.
     
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  2. DaDakota

    DaDakota Balance wins
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    There was a stretch in yesterdays game where the OKC team scored on 5 straight possessions near the end, every single one of them was Harden's unguarded man......he can do a lot better on D, even if it is not playing hard, just being in the time zone and contesting...

    DD
     
  3. vlaurelio

    vlaurelio Member

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    can the rockets team and coaching around harden be better than this?

    @DaDakota @daywalker02 and the rest of the 15 %ers
     
  4. topfive

    topfive CF OG

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    Thanks for being a part of the Harden Disinformation Team, DD. You really should have Shannon Sharpe's gig.

    Statistically, Harden is one of the very best guards in the league when it comes to defending the paint.

    You can say that he should play better defense in transition or (maybe) that he should defend the perimeter better, but simply saying that Harden doesn't play defense is lazier than Harden himself ever is.
     
    #24 topfive, Dec 26, 2018
    Last edited: Dec 26, 2018
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  5. Mr. Space City

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    just has to be able to replicate that regular season individual dominance in the playoffs
     
  6. daywalker02

    daywalker02 Member

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    It's more tiresome in the playoffs, the team has to face one team for 4-7 games.

    I think any star would feel tired looking at the same old faces. :)
     
  7. daywalker02

    daywalker02 Member

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    I never voted in a poll with 15%. So @ me is useless.
     
  8. vlaurelio

    vlaurelio Member

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    who needs to improve more harden or team and coaching around him?
     
  9. Mr. Dominant

    Mr. Dominant Member

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    How can he enter Kobe conversation for 2nd best SG if he hasn’t even won a championship yet?
     
  10. daywalker02

    daywalker02 Member

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    You can compare his stats disregarding those championships.

    Championships are the highest reward/prize = success.

    It's fair to say you compare them both and then add their respective championship seasons. (if they have one)
     
  11. vlaurelio

    vlaurelio Member

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    just curious, which lone star would have single handedly led the rockets to a championship?
     
  12. daywalker02

    daywalker02 Member

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    Last time I checked the team did fine, Harden did fine. Even MDA did okay. Disposed of OKC.
     
  13. vlaurelio

    vlaurelio Member

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    lol harden, team, and mda all did okay

    one game howbout for the season?
     
  14. daywalker02

    daywalker02 Member

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    Will get back to you after 82 games. Season did begin with the streak.

    Morey better make moves to further improve the team.

     
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  15. BigMaloe

    BigMaloe Member

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    He can join the 50/40/90 club or even getting close with his usage and shot selection would be insane.

    He can still get better controlling the ball. While his looseness and risk it mindset makes him who he is, if he could learn to harp it in when hes playing lackadaisical that would be an improvement.

    Offensively, he is one of the most complete players of all time. But his pure shooting could actually improve as well as his possession control.
     
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  16. bulkatron

    bulkatron Member

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    I think he can do small things better.

    Fewer careless passes
    Focus on defense
    Open up midrange game

    I think we are seeing an all-time great at the height of his powers. I think that any improvements would be marginal.

    People are sleeping on Harden. Never seen a media narrative more out of touch with reality
     
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  17. BigMaloe

    BigMaloe Member

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    Every year its this has to be his peak.

    Every year he gets better and beats expectations.

    Yes he can get better, and I believe he will.

    I believe he will get better every year until he finally has a decline.

    When he finally does decline at like age 32, then I'll reflect on what was his best season.
     
    #37 BigMaloe, Dec 26, 2018
    Last edited: Dec 26, 2018
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  18. Elephant810

    Elephant810 Member

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    Whose better, Prime D-Wade or Harden right now?
     
  19. Elephant810

    Elephant810 Member

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    Obviously Rockets need to get and stay healthy, but I truly believe they are a good wing player with size away from being where they need to be.
     
  20. Reeko

    Reeko Member

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    he gets better every year so why not

    I never thought he would end up being this all-time great capable of winning multiple MVPs when we traded for him

    the numbers he put up his 1st year here were what I was envisioning his prime numbers would be looking like

    I’ve loved Harden ever since his Arizona State days...him destroying the league has been a pleasure to watch
     
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