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James Harden: A Eurostep above the rest

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by mr. 13 in 33, Dec 16, 2014.

  1. Dave_78

    Dave_78 Member

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    Harden is Shaq-like at the SG. He is so strong and so big that guys have to hammer him for the foul to register when watching at normal speed.
     
  2. tzou88

    tzou88 Member

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    But the media says it's boring basketball!!! :rolleyes:
     
  3. xtruroyaltyx

    xtruroyaltyx Member
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    I don't think he tried to draw fouls all the time. At times, sure. But he's not a Kevin Martin type player.

    He's not out their pump faking and leaning into defenders and swiping up under their extended arms like he's trying to take a jump shot.

    He tried to actually make his shots much more often than not.
     
  4. blunto

    blunto Member

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    Agreed. We don't get to see how many reps he's put in on his euro step, step back, etc.

    On the other hand, watching Harden play, it looks like his reaction time is insane. For example, check out these two between the legs plays. That's not something you put reps on.

    <iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/5uqJaSH3e2o" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
    <iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/G2lNqSs7sjE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
    I've heard athletes say that time slows down in critical moments. It definitely looks like Harden is playing in bullet time out there sometimes. Here are a couple of links on the topic of athletes' perception and the subjective passage of time.
     
  5. chenjy9

    chenjy9 Numbers Don't Lie
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    I disagree. While both enjoy shooting efficient shots, that's where the comparison ends. Harden is a ball handler and playmaker, while Martin was an off-ball shooter that relied actively creating contact.
     
  6. RedDragon01

    RedDragon01 Member

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    You ignored the point being made by that statement. He's not trying to draw fouls, but he is trying to draw contact. There's a difference.

    If he were only trying to draw a foul, you'd see so much more flopping on drives. Instead, you see more no-calls on hard contact than anything that can be considered a flop on his part during those drives.

    Now I'm sure he tries to draw contact so that a foul is called, so sure, he's trying to draw a foul. But that's not his message.

    He's playing to draw contact, not to draw the foul.
     
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  7. Jake Tower

    Jake Tower Member

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    Yeah, Harden is the master at showing the ball and it's just too tempting for defenders to take a swipe at it, and end up with all arm.
     
  8. BONIERO1576

    BONIERO1576 Member

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    In prior seasons I saw more of the lawyer ball that Martin plays. Honestly this season Harden has been taking it strong and getting fouled. He does chunk it up under people's arms but that's usually after the whistle which is something most NBA stars do. Dwight gets to the line almost as often as Harden but I don't see anyone accusing him of flopping.
     
  9. Houstunna

    Houstunna Mr Graphix
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    Because people/fans are mostly biased. And it goes way deeper than just sports.

    #livebythegoldenrule
     

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