That's exactly the point though. It means that in the 60s the environment was more setup for them to put up big numbers (107 fga per game compared to 88 now) but the players weren't skilled enough to take advantage. I'm just saying that the stat hikes now aren't all just about environment but also a lot about the skill level of the players today.
Players are getting better and more efficient. Analytics has changed the game. Harden would average more in the 90s, imo.
I agree with you with your GSW example (and other damaging, consistently blown calls), but is that GS "cheating", or is that the NBA rigging? Anyway, maybe "cheesing the system" is the better term. Regardless, I'm not interested in a semantic debate right now. Point is that I can understand why people don't appreciate some of those moves, but it's not an issue that is remotely specific to Harden, nor is he the one that started the movement, or even popularized it.
It's about the evolution of the game. What would Riley, Daley, and Larry Brown have done, if someone took a step back 3 pointer from 30 feet out with a person in their face and 15 seconds on the clock. Players are more skillful these days, and they also have more freedom. Drexler was considered the second best SG in the league behind Jordan and his handles would be considered weak in this era. His jumpshot also.
