https://www.theringer.com/nba/2020/8/14/21368302/all-bubble-damian-lillard-devin-booker This is what the author has to say about James Harden: James Harden, Houston Rockets 35.3 points, 8.7 assists, 9.2 rebounds, three steals, 35.8 minutes “When it’s all said and done, they’ll appreciate it more.” Harden is underappreciated, but it’s no one’s fault. This is what happens when superstars reach the cusp but never get over the top for a title—you kind of grow numb to their greatness while you wait for their next chance at championship validation. Harden can score any number below 81 in a game, and it just kind of washes away. Triple-doubles, 40 a night for weeks at a time, leading the league in steals—none of it moves the needle. Harden dropped a 45-17-9 line on the Pacers that would barely register as one of the bubble’s most memorable showings. What a bizarre, purgatorial existence it must be. On a brighter note: Houston’s relatively new-look lineup looked good in this setting, even while missing Eric Gordon, and Harden took over a few games down the stretch and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Jeff Green even looked … no, we will stop right there. Naturally, this was not the main course for Harden. Devin Booker and Damian Lillard’s performances felt like they meant something for their legacies as they fought to get into the postseason; Harden’s were just another day at the office. But the playoffs await, and it doesn’t get much juicier than a first-round showdown with former teammate Chris Paul and the league’s clutchest team this year in Oklahoma City, especially with Russell Westbrook’s strained quad injury putting even more on Harden’s plate. Turn the court mics up, and let’s see some demons get exorcised.
More narrative voting, NBA has truly become a rigged sport. Its embarrassing and shameful. Silver should be villified for allowing such unfairness to continue towards one player. Whether it's on the court or off the court, NBA has conditioned everyone to look down and dismiss Harden's historic accomplishments. Dame is not substantially younger than Harden but he does not have a "yeah but" attached to his heroics and accomplishments. Dame, Booker, Warren, Luka even Giannis have yet to achieve anything close to what Harden has and all of them have done absolutely NOTHING in the playoffs let alone challenge the best most talented dynasty in NBA every single season, taking them to 7 games, while GSW was at their absolute peak of dominance.
Harden doesn’t have a championship but how many do the finalist have? The kid from Dallas stat line is shocking but has a head to head loss against Harden,
And his numbers are still below Harden's. Harden trumps everyone on that list except for Llilliards PPG and WARP. Harden leads in all other advanced stats.
James Harden could win 2 MVPS, he'll make the HOF, but without a ring, he'll always be mentioned as: "Great player... BUT" How do we know for sure? Look at Steve Nash. Two time MVP, dominated the league for 6-7 years, and likely only missed a ring because of Robert Horry's mind games, lol. Karl Malone, John Stockton, Charles Barkley. If you look at various all time great lists, there are VERY few players in the top 30 ALL TIME without a ring. For example: https://www.complex.com/sports/best-nba-players-of-all-time-ranked Barkley highest at 16, then Malone at 19. CP3, AI and John Stockton sneak in there 28-30. 6-7 more years of this Harden with multiple deep playoff runs, then sure Harden can be up there with Barkley/Malone as one of the best to never win a ring. But one thing is for certain, that ONE thing is all that matters at this point. He can make or miss many many all nba teams because of snubs... it won't matter. He's got an MVP, multiple top 2 finishes, even more top 5 and 10 finishes, this year will be his 7th all nba team (and even if he is snubbed 1st team or 2nd team, you know he will add AT LEAST two more to that list, which will give him 9+, including AT LEAST 5 first team selections). The accolades are there. He will get more. But nothing will lift public perception of him beyond what it is unless and until he wins a championship. /end. The end. End of story.
Matisse Thybulle is a future All Defense 1st Teamer. I see him more like Covington. He would be perfect with the Rockets.
