James Harden loves being PG but forgot the first part of playing PG... Ball security. He's **** at it. I always cringe and am nervous when Harden is being pressured midcourt or when he's lackadaisically bringing the ball up the court and half the opposing team's eyes light up because they know he isn't paying attention to the ball and sneak up behind him. He's an easy steal if you pay attention to his mannerisms and you know when he isn't paying attention. The dude needs a sit down. He can't be coddled and expect him to change. I have no clue what goes behind closed doors but I really hope Dantoni isn't a push over and will call a spade a spade. We are winning but we are not going to win consistently against the elite teams with our PG being so ****ing careless with the ball. Oh and James, for once in your life during a game, stop yelling at your teammates when you commit a turnover. Sometimes it's your fault. Actually, the majoirty of the time it is. Own up to it leader. For once it would be immensely satisfying if someone like Harrell or Dekker just lashed back at him once in a while when Harden starts yelling at them for a turnover he committed. I just want someone else to bring the ball up the court. He sucks at it. They can have their 40+ 3 pt chuck fest either way.
Yeah the yelling at teammates is really bugging me too! I've only seen Ariza yell back at one point, I also really hope they give his fat ass what he deserves behind closed doors.
I've noticed this too. It seems like Ariza is the only player on the team from last season and this season that is willing to 'talk back' to Harden.
This is where expectations are too much. Its wanting him to get 2 extra assists instead of 2 extra turnovers, and wanting him to score 40 instead of "only" 30. He'd have to be an ultra-efficient mistake free 35/15 player to appease the demands Should stick to the ball security issue, better shot selection and focus, and keep it at that.
For once I agree. Had 5 turnovers that I can remember were as the result of him trying to force a pass that was not there(to Harrell and Gordon ) and infact shooting the ball would have been the better option.I think at times he is trying to be to much of a passer when shooting the ball is a better option.
What would happen if Clutch interviewed MDA about this and Clutch reported back that MDA said, 'Yes, I've had a talk with Harden about this. We are on the same page." Would this thread cease to exist or double in size? Maybe we need a new thread with a poll on whether we should talk even more about this if MDA says "I'm on the same page with Harden on this."
Imagine if Gordon hit three more threes last night... The guy just didnt have a good night.. cost us the win and Harden a couple of more assists
The team has some recurring issues that need to be addressed. It's worth discussion. This team is outperforming expectations, but there are signs that it can be even better. Don't let a few people melting down nullify the whole idea. This is why we have forums. People can commiserate about our many silly turnovers.
That being said what bothers me recently in Hardens game is not forcing passes, but being too casual and getting his pocket picked. It's only 1-2 times per game but improvement can start there.
This is what I said. The forcing stuff I can live with. It's the casual play, the lack of attention to what's happening around him that gets on my nerves. That is stuff I feel like he can correct and it would make a difference.
According to Basketball Reference, his bad passes are down (30 so far after committing 169 last year). But his "lost ball" turnovers are up. He has 107 so far but had 149 all last year.
Ho hum, let the big dog run Suck in all the fans With huge stats and stirring pans Keep scoring and dishing Until we go fishing Keep chucking them threes But don't ever play any D Keep throwing it away Until we can't save the day Ho hum, let the big dog run
Couldn't agree more. Ball security wise Harden is not qualified to be a PG, and this is really sad because he does have really good court vision, but he gotta learn how to keep the ball safe, otherwise this experiment is not going to work.
If Harden cut down on the bone headed turnovers and was less turnover prone he'd probably be having a top 5 season of all time. Is that too hard to ask?
