I guess I'm still paranoid from the Yao/McGrady years but he sounds so focused that i believe he will come out looking like an MVP only to inevitably sustain a freak injury early-mid season leaving us all wondering what could have been.
The unspoken battle for #1 between Dwight and Harden is just going to make both players better. Obviously, Harden is the current leader of the team, but it should be an exciting season.
I don't mind him having a similar mindset to Kobe as long as he is keeping it real. He does not have the huge expectation to win his sixth ship and chasing MJ's legacy.
You are not alone. Going for the ring is not always a fun process. It remains to be seen how Harden's seriousness will affect Howard's performance. After all, Howard couldn't handle a serious Bryant. The other problem is Dwight thinks he is the biggest Alpha on the team. Just look at Dwight's Q&A on pick-and-roll. He is "telling" the guys what to do instead of talking/communicating. I don't see how that bodes well with Harden.
Simple. Whereas Kobe is a senior of Dwight, Harden is still young player that is gradually becoming a leader. IMO Harden will be more receptive to Dwight's need and will communicate better, asking for advice. After all, Dwight has been an Alpha on the Magic team for years.
I think there is a slight difference between being the best player in the NBA after Lebron James and the extreme of surpassing Jordan as the greatest ever (GOAT).
Good to read more interviews from players other than just Lin and Parsons. Glad to hear he was working on his conditioning Very what I've been reading sounds like everyone is coming into camp in great shape This is just so positive!
I'm most excited about this shoe! I feel like a traitor every-time I hoop in my Kobes, I want to rep the beard man!
When asked about himself, he answered with "I", when asked about the team, he answered with "we" ... C'mon everybody, let's put last year behind us. We're not playing to get into the playoffs or for the 14th seed anymore, we've got a realistic chance of winning the championship with this core, and possibly as soon as this year! Ever Parsons says the chemistry between this team is incredible, even Howard said he's back to his happy self since joining the Rockets, and everybody's in camp a week early and spent time in LA together earlier as well.
Positive comments. I also think Harden was slowed a bit after he had that knee injury. It also could be that he tired a bit. He wasn't as effective towards the end of the season as he was in the beginning. Nonetheless I certainly expect Harden to be a 25+ point scorer and basically carrying this team in the 4th quarter.
I thought he said all the right things. I particularly like his criticisms of his own defense. Love the accountability. McHale doles out the minutes, not Harden. I want him with 40-minute conditioning, but to play with less minutes to keep himself fresh. The minutes may well go to that level in the playoffs though.
