Yes Leonard has had over his career better teammates and coach but it still doesn't take away from his greatness and what he has achieved up to this point. Leonard is great on both ends of the court, you can't say that about Harden. I think Harden is in the tier of players right behind Lebron, Durant, and Curry.
Harden is the more dominating scorer. He can drive right into defenders and impose himself physically to score. But Leonard is the more efficient and controlled scorer. You never see him go Westbrook but Harden does now and then. But defense, attitude and intangibles is what puts Leonard on top over Harden. Here's the thing. When Leonard has a subpar scoring night, his defense and intangible play still makes him valuable. Remember Leonard started his career as a glue guy. He won't get down and will just keep playing full effort when his shots aren't there. If Harden's shots aren't falling, if his foul baiting isn't working, he whines and pouts and his defense suffers even more. You'll never see that from Leonard. And that is why Leonard > Harden.
I think he is, but not by much...I have Leonard as the 3rd best player in the NBA and Harden as the 4th best player
If they played one on one harden would never get the ball and if he did Leonard would just take it from him like he did last game. Give me the cornrowed claw
Rebounding is not Harden. That is the system and pacing of his team. I've never seen Harden crash a cruicial board like Leonard does. Harden only gets boards when a teammate lets him get it so he can run in transition.
Tier 1: Lebron Tier 2: KD, Leonard (Steph at his best is in this tier as well) Tier 3: Harden, Westbrook
Their games have evolved in different systems. Kawhi can't do what harden does and harden can't do what steph does.
Harden used to be better, now it's Leonard When harden didn't play slow, when he at least played average defense, didn't turn it over so much, moved off the ball some, shot fewer 3s at a higher percentage, and penetrated more he was better. Harden is the more gifted offensive player easily, though Kawhi is somehow the better shooter now with a nice mid range jumper. Kawhi has been very impressive, particularly on defense stopping the pick and rolls and not fouling. Offensively he can score but he's not a great passer at this point.
Short answer is no, now the long one, Leonard is much taller, so it's easier for him to get his shot off and use his length to defend, but I feel Harden has much better overall game, especially creating and to certain extend attacking. What I don't like about harden in playoff is how he walks the ball over court, 2-3 seconds is lost there, if he is hurt, have next guy dribble it over.
Leonard's advantage over Harden is his length, big hands and athleticism. But the biggest advantage is that he seems emotionless, he just plays and makes the right play whenever it's needed whereas Harden seems to be a bit too emotional (even though he doesn't actually show it) and could become very passive. Harden is definitely a better shooter and passer, but Leonard is better in everything else.
Harden is great player,a superstar but Leonard is best player in nba.He doesnt have offensive numbers like Harden,Westbroke,best Curry or Durant.This is because of spurs system.In any other less team's game system he will be easy 30ppg player.
Honestly... I'd say they're about equal... both are great players in different circumstances. add that kawhi hasnt proven he can put a team on his back like Harden... and Harden hasnt proven he can be effective without monopolizing the ball... and btw, can we please stop with the whole "Harden's the best bc what player could you replace Harden with that would get this team the same results..." argument? It's stupid... this whole team was pretty much built for Harden's skill set... If I get a suit tailored to my specifications... guess what, it's probably gonna look better on me than most anyone else... doesn't mean I'm the greatest guy at wearing a suit... jus sayin...
