James Harden Stats Thread

It’s not just a matter of training. Jordan’s ability to score around the basket and even his midrange game depended a lot on his physical attributes. Huge hands, acrobatics and strength in the air, ability to stop and elevate over hapless defenders.

Harden is just a very different player and he’s molded his game to fit his particular skills. The 3-point shot is an essential weapon in his arsenal. I think he’s be a great player in any era, but not the type of scorer Jordan was in a league without a 3-point shot.

 

If you compare FG% to FG% a player who takes more 3s will always look worse. That's the point.

 

I'm not making a defense of Harden, I'm making a "I don't want to argue about cross generational FG%" argument. It's just impossible to evaluate. If Jordan had grown up practicing 3s he might have been the best 3 point shooter ever. Who knows?

 

That is why I said, 3pt% to 3pt%, 2pt% to 2pt%, and FG% to FG%

 

Right and then you said "FG% to FG%."

It's also not right to stick to the others either because volume matters a lot, as does type of shots.

Harden and Jordan are nearly identical on 2% (.507 to .510 careers) but Jordan's shots were significantly more difficult as he took way more midrange and Harden shoots less than half of the overall 2s that Jordan did.

 

OK. I actually misunderstood the person I was originally responding to. I thought he was saying that Harden would have a higher FG% than Jordan if he shot only twos (that’s very doubtful). But he’d of course have a higher FG% perhaps near 50%.

 

My bad, didn't elaborate enough. Wasnt saying Hardens would be > than Jordan's

Just that Harden would have an overall better FG% shooting more 2s

 

he needs to get to 36.5ppg so its 37

 

this reminded me of nick wright's claim today that if 3 pointers were to be counted as 2s harden would still be the best scorer in the league

 

Harden has more 50 points game this season (9) than Giannis reached Harden's scoring average (7)

 

He's made 363 threes this season, so remove that from his point total. He'd be averaging 31.5 ppg but his TS% would drop below league average to 53.3%. Of course that's just academic, because his entire game would change if 3s no longer counted as 3 points.

 

Your last statement is completely speculative and without any support whatsoever. Who is to say that Harden does not work on his post game or finger roll to the extent hes mastered the step back and side step. Who's to say his floater instead of his last toy in his amazing bag of tricks doesn't become his first and most unstoppable weapon???

Harden's vision, handles and passing acumen added to his offensive skills make him the most dangerous shooting guard ever.

This is why you drive me nuts Durv.

 

you are underrating his ability to adapt
hes better than michael jordan ..live with it

 

He missed 22 games serving our country. Maybe throw a little respect his way?

 

You’re right, it is speculative. To assume Harden would adapt to surpass the greatest player in NBA history if his greatest weapon this year is taken away is, I think, a stretch and far more speculative on your part. Highly unlikely one can surpass Jordan living on a diet of floaters.

OK. Look, if you’re going nuts over me not thinking Harden would be at the level of Michael Freaking Jordan if you took away his greatest weapon this year, please get help. I still think he’d adapt and be an excellent player.

 

With all due respect to his service, he doesn’t qualify.

 

What the hell happened in here?

 

Good point.

 

harden's strength is his BB IQ/smarts, taking advantage of the rules/tools on the table, and improving himself thru being open, practice, dedication, and hardwork

 

This thread is bananas