The proof in the pudding will be how Harden does in March and April. His efficiency tanked the final 20+ games last season. Will that happen again? I'm optimistic it won't. I'd also like his FG% to improve from 44% to 47-48%, but if he continues averaging 10 FTAs/game, I'm good. Unless Asik is traded for a legit starting PF or someone on the team grabs and runs with the position, it's going to take a long time for this team to figure out it's chemistry and lineups. I agree the true test of Harden and team will be when they face opposition and hit some bumps.
Harden will go down as one of the very best SG's to ever play the game. Only a select few are this good this young.
The man is unstoppable. Ironically the bobcats won last night they are probably better than people thought.
Last year with no training camp and no other all star on the team he just balled and had to play that way. This year he has another Olympian all star top tier player and better supporting cast. He doesn't have to play that way. He can be more patient and let's not forget the obvious, with Howard on the team he has less attention on him and more space to operate. I don't think he improved, more like adapted.
I'd have to see how he fairs after at least ten games, against contenders, and especially during a losing streak, however, I must agree that his D looks better and he is accepting his Cath and shoot abilities.. probly cuz of the addition of a higher caliber (right now) superstar.
Harden definitely seems improved. He just seems more confident and that 3 point shot is devastating. I love it when he bowls over people on his way to a 3, the Harden way (sorry, couldn't resist).. I think he's right behind Lebron as the second, third best player in the league.
One of the commentators this season (Clyde?) was saying how McHale was trying to convince Harden to preserve his body by spot-up shooting instead of driving to the basket. If Harden internalized that one thing it could make a major difference in how his season goes (even his whole career).
I agree he looks improved on offense and particularly defense but don't discount the Howard ripple effect. Howard impacts everything that happens out there. Harden may be scoring a bunch but Howard's presence is opening some of that up for Harden.
Not to mention that with the addition of Howard, players feel like they have to step it up. No excuses this year. This team HAS to make a deep playoff push.
Harden has also been doing a few post-up moves of his own. I remember McHale saying he would like to position Harden nearer the basket, where he can just do 1-2 dribbles and he's in the lane already. Unlike last year, when he was always attacking from way out on the perimeter, and it was easier for opponents to jam him. I have to say though that his end to end drives are very devastating to the opposing teams. No matter how many people he passes by, no one can stop him. I'd say the test is when he faces superior defenders like Iggy and double-teams that he's always struggled against.
Yeah, he really ran out of gas towards the end of last season. Like you, I'm hoping that won't happen this year. Howard forces the opposing team to pay attention to him, attention that last season could be focused on Harden. That's at least one of the things that should help him over the course of a long season. Last year, he was feeling his way playing starter's minutes. The guy is smart. He learned from the experience, and I trust the coaching staff did as well. The Rockets need to take a page from Pop in SA. Have your best players ready for the playoffs... don't leave them exhausted before they even begin. Bumps? We're going through a few right now. Bev down for a couple of weeks with an injury. Casspi twisting his ankle (although it didn't look serious watching on LP from Austin). The biggest "bump" so far, besides Beverley being hurt? Parsons misplacing his shot. Good lord! At least Chandler can't shoot any worse, right? Someone tell me he can't shoot any worse than he is right now. Please! :-O-
Old school thread, thanks for all the insight. Don't get to watch or listen. Just read Twitter and clutch fans. This site was an informative place at one point in time and this thread reminiscent of that. I quit coming to the garm , but maybe I'll try reading more now. Thanks guys.
