Like I said in a post to Monstermash awhile back (before I knew he or she was in a committed back and forth with another) James Harden is as talented offensively as anyone in the game today. He can pretty much make any shot, from any range and it doesn't matter, more often than not, if he is hit while doing it. Skill wise he is a baller no doubt about it. That being said, he is not a leader nor is he really a closer either. He was exposed on his homecourt by a team without one of its big veteran presence and its best player in blowout fashion. Worst of all it did seem like he quit on his team.
It's weird. I look at that beard and I can't imagine any of the all-time greats having a beard that ridiculous. Maybe I'm being a "get off my lawn" type, but that choice in facial hair tells me something about his mindset. Not saying I have anything against beards (I typically have some sort of facial hair), or even that one in particular. But you don't see many people that are really serious about their profession (basketball or otherwise) with a "statement" beard like that.
No, I agree the beard is gross, it needs to be checked for bugs. His playoff #'s are garbage every year since 11, really after his terrible series in Miami, really. I'm not shocked, though this was really bad. I've heard some people try to compare this to Kobe Game 7, 07. It's almost too ridiculous to bring it up. However, other than last night and 2 years ago, he's been excellent in closeout games in losses. And I'm a d o o d dude.
It's been a while since I've seen American TV but I distinctly remember an Adidas TV spot where Harden was dancing around doing that cooking gesture. I'm pretty sure he had a Foot Locker commerical too.
He'a got quite a few. I've seen headphones I think, some sports drink, whatever company has his shoes. I'm sure I'm missing some and I'm sure he gets a ton of ads in Houston.
1. I dislike the Washington offense. It runs one set on the strong side and does nothing weakside. When the one motion doesn't work, they go iso with one of their guards. It's a pretty easy to guard offense if you've got some perimeter defenders. 2. I like the Washington defense a lot. Opportunistic switches and great rotations. Well coached. 3. This is a decent game, but only because no player on either side has really flexed their muscles and taken over the game. It'll come down to which of these wings is a real winner and which is a pretender. Both Wall and Thomas need the ball to prove they're as good as they think they are.
Wow, following the Bos/Was game on ESPN. What a finish! Game 7 coming up. Just rest some more Lebron...
I am a fan of Isaiah Thomas. What a competitor. Lakers need to try and get a couple guys with that mindset on the team.
Beal might take Wall's spot in a little bit. He's coming into his own. But no matter which team wins this series, neither will be able to beat LeBron alone.
John Wall is very entertaining. He's sort of like Westbrook-lite considering the speeds he plays at, yet he does a few things that Russell doesn't. He doesn't dominate the ball as much (which I think got to a detrimental point for OKC) and in this year he's probably been the better defender. Really like watching the tandem between him and Beal when they're both firing
Warriors have more talent than the Spurs. Clearly. I have a hard time seeing a Mike Brown coached team beating a Gregg Popovich coached team.