Do you think Harden will be average defender next year?

LOL how has he regressed?

 

Hopefully he really commits to being better defensively. We all seen him play solid defense in spurts throughout the season.

 

dese players dont change

 

People who actually don't watch the game, or regurgitate media talk think Harden has regressed.

His defense got better (lol). efficiency, and mid-range game.

 

I am not sure how many of you play ball but the above statement is very
close to the truth.

Whatever fatigue you feel during a game, amp it up many many notches.

These guys cover almost 3 miles per game and bear in mind that
the pace they do this is like flat out full speed.

http://fansided.com/2013/11/15/chandler-parsons-leads-nba-distance-traveled-court/#!brJh0y

If things dont change, the quote above of "running him to the ground" will be very apt.
I'd hold off on D as well, if that was the case, and it wont be cos it's
a matter of will.
Just physically impossible (except if you're a freak like LeBron).

 

Alright, I'm going bold:

No points will be scored against the Rockets while Harden is on the floor.

 

That statement is so bold it put me right in Marlboro Country.

 

If Harden has any pride, he will and he must improve on defense, especially considering how much crap he has gotten from fans and the media. The real question is, how much pride does he have?

 

Or more like, how much _more_ pride does he have this coming season
than he had last season?

I highlighted the key word here

 

I think he is who he is and unless the coach holds him responsible, he'll be the same.

 

Until he gets a WANT TO in his mind, he will continue to struggle.

DD

 

i put more likelihood that he stays the same

 

No...... he'll be his usual below average defending self.

 

No, but I hope he steps it up and brings his a game. Unlike this lack of effort thread.

 

I have no problem with their regular season record. They just need to do better in the playoffs.

 

If anything he should give less effort in the regular season, save it for the playoffs.

 

The same stat tracking system lists James Harden as one of the slowest players in the entire NBA. He still logs a lot of miles because he plays a lot of minutes, but its more like he's being briskly jogged into the ground rather than being run into the ground.

 

Length, quickness, speed, athletism .....he has it all. He can become a top-tier defender if he has the desire to do it.

 

With "Sick Handles" Ariza on the squad, James won't have to create nearly as much offense. It will be like Harden is playing with Orlando T-mac!

Just kidding. I welcome Ariza's arrival but I still get flashbacks of Rockets' Ariza.

 

same as last year
maybe even worse since he has to a bigger role on offense