Ultimate "James Harden Doesn't Play Defense" Video

Well. The title of the thread says all: James Harden Doesn't Play Defense not James Harden Can't Play Defense. For the Rockets' success, he has to play defense!

 

I laughed out loud several times watching this.

 

Lol, this video has high comedic value; the D is just so bad I kept laughing while watching. I think no one is doubting James Harden's value to the team and he will most likely step it up in the playoffs.

But it's like he's in a post-stripper haze. He doesn't do the most basic things like watch his man, move between his man and the basket, keep hands ready, and use body to box out/defend. He doesn't need to be an amazing 2-way player, but he should at least give a semblance of a damn on defense.

 

credit to anyone who watched the full video.

 

This is stupid

 

I bet you could not. Harden's disinterest on defense is pretty epic. There are two reasons:

1) ball watching: he has an uncanny ability to tune out where his man actually is while he watches the ball.

2) lack of effort: watch is PnR defense -- he switches everything even when our other guards are expecting him to go under or over the screen.

My sense is that playoff intensity may make him willing to fix number 2, after all, what is he saving effort for if not the playoffs. Number 1, however, is going to still cost us 2-3 buckets a game.

 

The problem with the 'step it up' in the playoffs statement I keep seeing thrown around is that the playoffs will be a higher intensity. Players will get tired faster and revert back to their normal habits. The thing elite players do is set those habits at an high level already.

 

In fairness this is probably his worst moments. Out of 1000's of plays.

Nearly all of them are plays where he seems to be caught napping. At least we know it's correctable. I am not sure which is worst, being a bad defender because you suck at defense or being a bad defender because you just don't care.

 

The first 2 minutes are basically the same mistakes on replay.

This video could be an hour long if the guy spent more time on it.
And of course being a bad defender is worse when you're lazy. While his post D is solid, off the ball is bad and lazy. This is funny except when you're a max/franchise player.

 

If I were McHale, I would show this video over and over. Really awful, "stand around" defense. He must put forth more effort than that, and I assume he will.

 

So, let me get this straight. If we play great defense but don't outscore them, then we still lose. But, if we don't play great defense, then we have to outscore them anyway or we still lose. Regardless, we still have to outscore them or we lose. Do I have that right?

 

In that case my apologies and carry on!

 

LOL they do say the best defense is a good offense.

 

Not caring is better. At least in important or close games he tightens it up.

 

This isn't new. Harden is lazy on defense and lacks awareness.

The things that bother me the most in no particular order:

1. The reach-around: this move is so corny, even when done on the playground. Please don't do it in a professional basketball game.

2. Getting backdoored: This is a complete awareness issue. It's a lack of focus on the defensive end. Just keep your feet moving and your body at an angle to the ball and whoever you're guarding, ESPECIALLY IF YOU'RE ON THE WEAK SIDE CORNER. Even in high school basketball, the rule is you cannot take your eyes off your man for more than 1 second. How can you play at the NBA level and ball watch for 3-5 seconds and NOT expect your man to cut to the basket???

3. If and when you get beat, move your damn feet to box out / help out the helper. If freaking Thabo Sefalosha just blew by you, DO NOT reach around with your arm. MOVE YOUR FEET and get over to Ibaka b/c Terrance Jones is likely busting his ass trying to recover for you. Don't give up on the play just because you got beat b/c we have one of the best interior defenses in the league. However that defense can be easily marginalized if our players don't all do a great job of recovering.

 

Even Troy Daniels tries harder to play defense than Harden.

 

So our superstar only has 3 more points than a good player?? Is that we expect from him?

 

This is getting passed around social media and message boards now.

 

lold hard at the video

he makes up on offense....he's young he'll improve defensively