There has been much debate in various threads about what the media and also fans consider Harden to be. The question is quite simple: CURRENTLY, is James Harden a superstar or just an all-star? What do you consider would qualify as either/or? Personally I feel like Harden is no where near a superstar. Superstars are those players who come along every 5-10 years and they absolutely dominate the game on both ends of the court. They make their teams significantly better and have the ability to carry their teams in both in regular season but ALSO in the playoffs. Superstars understand that even when the ball isn't in their hands they need to have impact on the floor, whether its movement on the floor or coming off picks/back screens. Superstars understand that without putting effort on the defensive end, then your offensive game just isn't as impactful. Sure you can put on 28 a night, but that doesn't mean as much when you are giving up 20+ to someone like PJ Tucker. Superstars become to vocal leaders of their teams, and find ways to will the team to victory. Superstars demand to be heard, and instill confidence in other players on the team to help his teammates succeed. Superstars understand the importance of practice, off season training, and are students of the game. As opposed to partying or relaxing, superstars are preparing and studying for upcoming games. Superstars understand that the NBA is not just about the money (yes money is important, and it might influence where they sign) but just getting paid is not enough for them. Superstars understand the importance of coaching and are coach-able. Keep in mind this poll is about RIGHT NOW. At this moment. Going into the 2014-2015 Season, where do you consider Har(d)en to be at?
Kevin Durant fails a lot of your superstar tests. Shaq failed a lot of those superstar tests. Drexler failed a lot of those tests.
Allstar for me until he gives effort on defense and proves it in the playoffs. I think he can get there. Not one of those fringe Allstars though. The perrinial kind so he is right on the cusp of greatness. It's up to him if he is willing to put in the work to get to that next level which is right in front of him.
And Blake Griffin, Steph Curry, Kevin "35% from the field in 4th quarters" Love(Not exaggerating), Steve Nash. LITERALLY Kobe from '05-'07(quit on defense and missed playoffs)
He's one of the best 12 players in the league. You can draw whatever definition you like about where the cutoff line is and I personally think he's never going to be top 5 at any point in his career, but that still means there are in the neighborhood of 20 (perhaps more, with the recent star clustering) teams that don't have a player as good as James Harden. All the rest is semantics.
Top 5 in WS last year, and if I recall correctly top 5 over the past 4 years. Without question superstar.
the reason he is not a superstar has more to do with an unproven ability to make his teammates better. He is still young though and think he can turn into superstar status.
Meh, the word superstar is thrown around way too often. To me a superstar is a once in a generation kind of player. In the current NBA, LBJ and Durant are outright superstars right now. May be CP3 and Howard a few years back. Duncan, Garnett and Kobe much further back. To me James Harden is a perennial all star. Not taking anything away from him but if Harden is a superstar in today's league, so are Love, Griffin, Curry, Westbrook etc. You'll have a case for about at least 10 superstars right now which I find difficult to believe in.
And that show up in the playoffs **** is ridiculous. CP3 had the greatest statistical season for a PG ever in 2009, and played WAY worse than Harden did in the playoffs that same season. Steph Curry and Blake Griffin didn't do **** this playoff season either.
