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Around the League => Around the NBA => Topic started by: LarBrd33 on February 21, 2013, 04:33:46 AM

Title: James Harden
Post by: LarBrd33 on February 21, 2013, 04:33:46 AM
Just a general thread on James Harden.  You realize he's putting up the 3rd best stats in the entire league??  The only two players with a higher EFF are LeBron (an insane 32.2) and Durant (equally insane 31.0)

Technically Varejao (who was averaging 14 points, 14 boards, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals) was 3rd with a inflated EFF of 25.2, but I didn't see that lasting.

Next is Harden with 24.1.   He's having a better season than Westbook.  Currently averaging 26.5 points, 5.7 assists, 4.8 rebounds, 1.9 steals on 45% shooting  36% from three and 86% from the line.   Kind of outrageous considering he was coming off the bench last year for OKC.

The best shooting guards by year:

2011/12 - #1 Wade (22.0)  #2 Kobe (21.4)
2010/11 - #1 Wade (24.7)  #2 Kobe (21.4)
2009/10 - #1 Wade (25.1)  #2 Kobe (22.9)
2008/09 - #1 Wade (29.3)  #2 Kobe (24.2)
2007/08 - #1 Kobe (26.6)  #2 Iverson (23.5)
2006/07 - #1 Kobe (27.6)  #2 Wade (27.1)
2005/06 - #1 Kobe (27.7)  #2 Wade (26.9)
2004/05 - #1 Iverson (24.9)  #2 Kobe (24.3)

If Harden keeps this up, it'll be the first time in a long time that someone other than Wade, Kobe or Iverson arguably takes the "best shooting guard in the league" title.  Granted, this has a little to do with the fact that shooting guards are a dying breed.  We're in the midst of a point guard boom.  After Harden, Wade (21.1) and Kobe (23.7)... who is the next best?... Curry (20.7) is kinda a PG.  Paul George (19.7) is kinda a SF.  Same with Pierce (18.3).  I think next on the list is OJ Mayo (16.7).   Rough.

Title: Re: James Harden
Post by: Who on February 21, 2013, 05:06:07 AM
Harden has been incredible this season.

I thought he would settle into a Brandon Roy type player as a 20-23ppg with 4-5rpg and 4-5apg and be one of the top 15 players in the league ... but Harden has pushed his game to a whole other level beyond that. I didn't know he had that in him.

Very impressed by his performances in Houston this year. One of my favourite players to watch in the league today.
Title: Re: James Harden
Post by: crimson_stallion on February 21, 2013, 06:06:49 AM
Regardless of what stats say, if I wanted to "win now" i'd take Kobe over harden.
Title: Re: James Harden
Post by: Fafnir on February 21, 2013, 06:43:50 AM
Regardless of what stats say, if I wanted to "win now" i'd take Kobe over harden.
I wouldn't. Kobe has a nice post game and more size but Harden gives you so much more overall now-a-days.

Of course I'd have taken Wade over Kobe for many years now too. Maybe not this year with his up and down play, but Kobe wasn't healthy last two years either so you never know with the two of them it seems.
Title: Re: James Harden
Post by: clover on February 21, 2013, 07:10:41 AM
A rare story, but still good reason not to dismiss a player because he hasn't et started in the league.
Title: Re: James Harden
Post by: ScottHow on February 21, 2013, 07:21:07 AM
He's def been a monster. I thought he would be a nice player for Houston, but nothing like this
Title: Re: James Harden
Post by: The One on February 21, 2013, 08:52:34 AM
I remember that draft.  Danny really wanted him but he didn't fall...to 58th.   ;D
Title: Re: James Harden
Post by: pearljammer10 on February 21, 2013, 09:00:05 AM
I was skeptical of Harden being a franchise guy but man has he proved me wrong. He has had a killer killer season being the number one fiddle in Houston.
Title: Re: James Harden
Post by: LarBrd33 on February 21, 2013, 10:16:43 PM
I remember that draft.  Danny really wanted him but he didn't fall...to 58th.   ;D
We also tried really hard to get him the Perk trade, but settled on Green when OKC refused.
Title: Re: James Harden
Post by: CelticConcourse on February 21, 2013, 10:23:04 PM
He is nuts. Forty six points yesterday.

Points slightly inflated wit the best offense in the league, but it's only the best because of him.
Can't believe SGs are dying. The days of Kobe, Vince, TMac, Iverson, Allen are ending.

Hey, dude, you forgot AI on that list. Or is he a SF. Top-2 wing defender in this league!
Title: Re: James Harden
Post by: rocknrollforyoursoul on February 21, 2013, 10:51:01 PM
Regardless of what stats say, if I wanted to "win now" i'd take Kobe over harden.
I wouldn't. Kobe has a nice post game and more size but Harden gives you so much more overall now-a-days.

Of course I'd have taken Wade over Kobe for many years now too. Maybe not this year with his up and down play, but Kobe wasn't healthy last two years either so you never know with the two of them it seems.

Harden's very good, but until he starts showing up in the playoffs, I'll take Kobe every time.
Title: Re: James Harden
Post by: CelticConcourse on February 21, 2013, 10:51:52 PM
Regardless of what stats say, if I wanted to "win now" i'd take Kobe over harden.
I wouldn't. Kobe has a nice post game and more size but Harden gives you so much more overall now-a-days.

Of course I'd have taken Wade over Kobe for many years now too. Maybe not this year with his up and down play, but Kobe wasn't healthy last two years either so you never know with the two of them it seems.

Harden's very good, but until he starts showing up in the playoffs, I'll take Kobe every time.

He cost OKC the title lol