James Harden is a joke.

[Connor B]

Can we finally stfu about this guy? He has been awful in this series. He got outwitted by 37 (38?) year old Fischer down the stretch and almost single handedly blew that game and may very well have had Ibaka not screwed up. Yeah, he had some unlucky/shit calls against him, but you can't blame a game on bad calls if you also have ten turnovers, haven't shot well the entire series, and have proven to not be clutch at all. He was in part responsible for the Thunder losing to the Heat last year and will be responsible for Houston losing. He is NOT worth a max contract, and he never was. Anyone who says the Thunder would have been better off trading Westbrook and keeping Harden...goddamn I hope those idiots finally see how stupid that is. I've said he was overrated the whole year and everyone told me I was wrong - maybe now they will see.

[TheBigVeto]

He didn't play well in Game 4.

But he's still better than Kobe though.

[Ancient Legend]

I'm starting to dislike that bearded clown. His go to move is so predictable in crunch time, and most of his turnovers are unforced.

But yeah he's SLIGHTLY better than Kobe at this point in their careers.

[ripthekik]

Agree. I hate his style of play. Total black hole, and doesn't even convert like Melo.

I saw this in the game thread:
"James Harden is 28-77 (36.3%fg) from the field, 4-25 from 3 (16%3pt; taking 6 3's a game); has not made a mid-range shot, (0-10); and has 20 turnovers overall."

That's 2 big-time chokes in the playoffs in a row.. he's catching up with lebron.

[SyRyanYang]

Curry>>>>

[OldSkoolball#52]

I agree he's definitely better than Kobe, but the dude is still very overrated. I didn't understand the hype about him last year. Sure, he's a solid player you'd like to have on your team. He's clearly not the "get him first, ask questions later" caliber player Houston thought he was. But then again, they signed Jeremy Lin to an untradable contract. So that tells you somethin right there.

Honestly, this team is stuck in mediocrity for the next few years. Can't see them making any sort of leap given Harden's salary and their commitments to average or worse players like Lin and Asik.


:confusedshrug:

[KingLeBronJames]

He didn't play well in Game 4.

But he's still better than Kobe though.
No he's not. Kobe is always running through your mind doesn't he?

[Ancient Legend]

Curry>>>>

I think so too.

[mjokc]

It was only a matter of time before the shiny glimmer of Harden wore off and people saw him for the pathetic choking flopping piece of sh** that he is. The fact anyone paid him 80 million to be a glorified Monta Ellis is beyond me. Then again, even Monta has more moves.

[Legends66NBA7]

Thought I should post this again:


James Harden is 28-77 (36.3%fg) from the field, 4-25 from 3 (16%3pt; taking 6 3's a game); has not made a mid-range shot, (0-10); and has 20 turnovers overall (granted, 2 of those games he only had 2 turnovers).

Some of those shots he was taking at end of the 4th were so cringe worthy.

Awful shot selection, predictable moves, bad defense, and a turnover machine. He's not even that much better of a player this season from last season, IMO. He's only taking more shots and play calls run for him.

[STATUTORY]

it's what happens when your whole game is predicated on getting favorable calls from the refs

[Clutch]

it's what happens when your whole game is predicated on getting favorable calls from the refs
this :applause:

[strifed169]

The ****? he ain't even better than Kobe, his only moves are ISO pullup or flop layup, if he's not getting the whistle than he's shit, his #s are also inflated as ****, most overrated player ever.

[The_Yearning]

This ***** travels more than LeBron.

[Clifton]

I hate his style of play.
This. He may be my least favorite player to watch, even including guys I consider genuinely bad people who are selfish and destructive cancers. Free throws and threes, free throws and threes. And the way he plays, all the 3s seem like bad shots, and all the free throws seem unearned. That's not really the case, he does make his team better in fact. I just really hate watching him.

The way he gets fouled, it always looks like he isn't even trying to make the shot. He's just like, "ok, I got my whistle, time to totally disconnect my attention until I get the ball on offense again."

His playmaking is overrated, too. He's a real good player, but he sort of has Gilbert Arenas disease that makes even basic swing passes difficult to catch.

[maybeshewill13]

Curry>>>>
Yep.

[OhNoTimNoSho]

This ***** travels more than LeBron.
dude travels more than a nomadic tribe

[chosen_wun]

First year leading a team in the playoffs, he won't look great right away lol.

He's not LeBron

[ripthekik]

First year leading a team in the playoffs, he won't look great right away lol.

He's not LeBron :shrugs:
Yeah.. he'll have to go back to sign with OKC to be a lebron

[chosen_wun]

Yeah.. he'll have to go back to sign with OKC to be a lebron
:coleman: :applause:

[Mr Exlax]

So wait, because he struggles against OKC in a series where he's the only playmaker and offensive threat, he's a joke? Call me crazy guys, but I think OKC plays good defense and they're only focusing on James Harden. What do you guys think?

[KOBE143]

At least he's not as overrated as Lin..

[brantonli]

As a Rockets fan, I'm just clinging on to the hope that Harden's terrible stretch is more due to his injury (his explosiveness and first step in the half court has definitely diminished) rather than being 'exposed'. This guy didn't score 45 points on the Pistons, or 46 on the Thunder purely by being 'gimmicky'. Here's hoping a good summers rest will let him get back to full strength next season, and lower his stock enough so that I can nab him in later rounds in fantasy.

[chosen_wun]

As a Rockets fan, I'm just clinging on to the hope that Harden's terrible stretch is more due to his injury (his explosiveness and first step in the half court has definitely diminished) rather than being 'exposed'. This guy didn't score 45 points on the Pistons, or 46 on the Thunder purely by being 'gimmicky'. Here's hoping a good summers rest will let him get back to full strength next season, and lower his stock enough so that I can nab him in later rounds in fantasy.I think it was the Hawks.

[Fallen Angel]

So wait, because he struggles against OKC in a series where he's the only playmaker and offensive threat, he's a joke? Call me crazy guys, but I think OKC plays good defense and they're only focusing on James Harden. What do you guys think?

The thing is a lot of his turnovers aren't even a result of OKC's defense. He's just being careless with the ball and turning it over even if OKC isn't pressuring him or doubling him. He's also missing a lot of the shots he usually makes. That's OK I can live with him missing shots. He's still young and this is his first playoff appearance as 'the man'. His TOs though, he's got to stop that.

All these threads shitting on Harden are somewhat deserved, but that's f*cked up because Houston wouldn't even be in the playoffs without Harden. So yeah Harden is playing very poorly the last few months but don't forget Houston is in the playoffs mainly because of him.

[LikeABosh]

It's either attack the basket and get bailed out by the refs, or launch a step back 20-25 foot shot. Not even good at finishing around the rim, doesn't even try to. Just whips his head and flails his arms around

[Darius]

He is taking so many bad shots this series...

[Shepseskaf]

So Harden has finally lost his god-like status? How many "Presti is an idiot, Morey is a genius" threads were posted this season? Seemed like it was at least two per week.

[retaxis]

Come on no one on Rockets can score other then him and Chandler. Asik can't score, Smith can't score, Delfino is not reliable, Beverly is not reliable etc.

[BBallZen83]

He was great as a 6th man for OKC. He needs work as a first option. I'm tired of seeing him go to the rim less with the intention of making an actual shot, as opposed to throw something up and flail for a foul.

[K Xerxes]

This ***** travels more than LeBron.

Yes, it's always amusing when the commentator says he 'euro steps' when he actually takes 3-5 steps. Ridiculous.

[ThatsGame]

This series sucks, it's just two guys who get retarded calls all game. Free throws, Free throws, Free throws. Watched one game and turned it off never to watch again. Both teams are lead by babies that represent everything wrong with the league. It's not even basketball for them, it's just exploiting crappy rules.

[Solefade]

Agree. I hate his style of play. Total black hole, and doesn't even convert like Melo.

I saw this in the game thread:
"James Harden is 28-77 (36.3%fg) from the field, 4-25 from 3 (16%3pt; taking 6 3's a game); has not made a mid-range shot, (0-10); and has 20 turnovers overall."

That's 2 big-time chokes in the playoffs in a row.. he's catching up with lebron.

Ripthekik, the biggest Kobe stan on ISH calling other plays "black holes".



..that's funny

[Iceberg Slim]

so funny how people change opinions by the day especially regarding the 2009 nba draft

2009-"Tyreke Evans is the greatest player ever. He has a Lebron like ability to absorb contact and get to the rim."

2010-"Blake Griffin is a beast! Best PF in the game today!"

2012-Rubio is a superstar! OKC shouldn't have traded Harden. Should have traded Westbrook instead. Harden is the best player from the 2009 draft.

2013- Curry > Harden

[Mr Exlax]

so funny how people change opinions by the day especially regarding the 2009 nba draft

2009-"Tyreke Evans is the greatest player ever. He has a Lebron like ability to absorb contact and get to the rim."

2010-"Blake Griffin is a beast! Best PF in the game today!"

2012-Rubio is a superstar! OKC shouldn't have traded Harden. Should have traded Westbrook instead. Harden is the best player from the 2009 draft.

2013- Curry > Harden

I'm just curious as to what everybody thinks he's supposed to do. He's the only person that commands any real attention on our team right now. To say he's trash, but he got us here. I mean we aren't going against a scrub team. We're going up against the 1 seed lol. I don't get it.

[Legends66NBA7]

2013- Curry > Harden

The second half and the playoffs included, Curry has been better than Harden.

[KungFuJoe]

I hate Harden with a passion. He's the biggest cancer I've ever seen on a team...even bigger than Kobe ever was. Kobe probably looks at Harden and thinks, "what a ball hog".

At least Kobe's game isn't 110% dependent on getting calls from the refs. He doesn't even try to make the shot...he tries to get the foul. It worked in the beginning and middle of the season. But now teams are not fouling him as much on his drives (he bricks a shitload of his layups anyways) and refs aren't calling fouls as much, either. And then you got playoffs, where they call even LESS fouls (unless your name is Durant) and that makes Harden absolutely useless.

Everytime Harden was on the floor last night, the Rockets sucked. Harden got pulled due due to foul trouble and they make a comeback and take the lead. Then Harden comes back in...instant TOs and shot chucking and OKC comes back. Then he went back out and they take the lead again.

He's such a ****ing sorry ass dumb retarded ****ing chucker with no bball IQ, no heart, and no ****ing conscience.

And he doesn't play any ****ing defense AT ALL. On one of the final plays last night when Durant drove in and Bevs took that charge, he just blew by Harden like he a was turnstyle...harden's lazy ass actually reached out and could have gotten called for the foul.

He's just a selfish, lazy bastard and I hope he gets hit by a bus.

[ripthekik]

I hate Harden with a passion. He's the biggest cancer I've ever seen on a team...even bigger than Kobe ever was. Kobe probably looks at Harden and thinks, "what a ball hog".

At least Kobe's game isn't 110% dependent on getting calls from the refs. He doesn't even try to make the shot...he tries to get the foul. It worked in the beginning and middle of the season. But now teams are not fouling him as much on his drives (he bricks a shitload of his layups anyways) and refs aren't calling fouls as much, either. And then you got playoffs, where they call even LESS fouls (unless your name is Durant) and that makes Harden absolutely useless.

Everytime Harden was on the floor last night, the Rockets sucked. Harden got pulled due due to foul trouble and they make a comeback and take the lead. Then Harden comes back in...instant TOs and shot chucking and OKC comes back. Then he went back out and they take the lead again.

He's such a ****ing sorry ass dumb retarded ****ing chucker with no bball IQ, no heart, and no ****ing conscience.

And he doesn't play any ****ing defense AT ALL. On one of the final plays last night when Durant drove in and Bevs took that charge, he just blew by Harden like he a was turnstyle...harden's lazy ass actually reached out and could have gotten called for the foul.

He's just a selfish, lazy bastard and I hope he gets hit by a bus.
:applause: :applause: :applause:

Loved this post.

[ClutchOver9000]

Don't wanna pile on the Harden hate thread but I guess I'm gonna have to.

I've been firm on my position since ppl started anointing him the messiah.

He's not a scrub, he's def a good player. At times can be very good. But he is overrated. Top 5 player? NO. Elite superstar? NO. Better scorer than Melo? No midrange game whatsoever so NO.

Also, he is the only guy who can beat KD at the game of FT-whoring. And to top it off, he is a flopper.

Goodnight.

(watch him go for 50 next game :lol)

[dh144498]

I'm starting to dislike that bearded clown. His go to move is so predictable in crunch time, and most of his turnovers are unforced.

But yeah he's SLIGHTLY better than Kobe at this point in their careers.

:biggums:
:wtf:

[ShaqAttack3234]

:oldlol: at Harden being better than Kobe. He's not better than Wade, Westbrook or Parker either.

I think this is a problem with looking to draw fouls so much. Harden attacks the basket a lot, but you're usually not going to get as many calls in the playoffs. Pus, his game is either going to the basket or 3. He doesn't have any real mid-range game which makes him easier to guard than Durant, Melo, Kobe ect.


Thought I should post this again:



Awful shot selection, predictable moves, bad defense, and a turnover machine. He's not even that much better of a player this season from last season, IMO. He's only taking more shots and play calls run for him.

Like I said in the game thread, he nearly cost them a 3rd consecutive game with his play late in the game. He's been missing big free throws and taking poor shots late, he had 2 horrible turnovers late in game 2 and he took bad shots again late in this one. One was a 3 he airballed.

[chazzy]

I think this is a problem with looking to draw fouls so much. Harden attacks the basket a lot, but you're usually not going to get as many calls in the playoffs. Pus, his game is either going to the basket or 3. He doesn't have any real mid-range game which makes him easier to guard than Durant, Melo, Kobe ect.

Agreed. He REALLY needs to develop a pull up game from midrange. This is a great example of a player's regular season play not being the end-all for how good they really are

[Iceberg Slim]

The second half and the playoffs included, Curry has been better than Harden.

i know but my point is people's opinion's change throughout the year

[Clifton]

Let's be clear... Harden is better than he's played these last few games, and he's better than he's being described in this thread.

He's still a top fifteen player in the league. And he's 24 and will continue to improve. And as for him being a "cancer"... I don't know the guy, but is there actual evidence for this? I thought he was very well liked in OKC. He seems to have a fairly level head, even if he is a bit in over it at the moment.

[Legends66NBA7]

Like I said in the game thread, he nearly cost them a 3rd consecutive game with his play late in the game. He's been missing big free throws and taking poor shots late, he had 2 horrible turnovers late in game 2 and he took bad shots again late in this one. One was a 3 he airballed.

Yeah, IIRC, the airball 3 was a step-back he tried take over Thabo Sefolosha. I remember he hesitated at first too, then gathered and shot it... I knew it wasn't going in and I thought Thabo blocked it too. Then Harden looks at the ref for a call. :oldlol:

Granted, Thabo did hit him on the wrist, but didn't look like he got enough to force a call. He needs to stop being so reliable to the refs and actually try to make some baskets for a change.


i know but my point is people's opinion's change throughout the year

I guess we can call that being Prisoners of the moment. It happens.

Sometimes were right or sometimes were just not looking at the whole picture or a it's a combination of both.

[brantonli]

Wow, I wasn't expecting so much negativity about Harden tbh.


The guy is playing hurt. Legitimately. Has he been playing like crap lately? Yes. But we NBA fans always succumb to 'what have you done for me recently' disease, and it looks like a lot of ppl in this thread have it.

Secondly, about Harden's non-existent midrange game. It's the Rockets game plan NOT to take midrange shots, but to maximise three pointers and layups, the two most efficient shots you can take. Hence why you don't see Harden taking too many midrange jumpers, even though he's perfectly capable of making them.


What people are getting right: Harden's horrible defence and his offensive flopping. The dangerous thing about Harden though is that earlier in the season, his explosiveness to getting to the rim meant that you had to foul him or he would make easy layup. Now that the first step is gone, he's resorting to crappy fouls, which is really annoying, but hopefully will go away once he gets back to full health next season.

[SCdac]

Great player but his flaws are noticeable and it's his lack of D that hurts him the most IMO. Right now, I put him in a class with prime: Michael Redd, Latrell Sprewell, Gilbert Arenas, and Vince Carter. All great, imperfect players, but we will see how Harden differentiates himself in the near and distant future. I believe his clean shooting form/touch, alone, is conducive to big moments plus being a great slasher and left handed. But more than half the game is mental, effort, etc. Too often I see him looking to draw a foul rather than looking to score, which is not only a cheap way to score but I think it's lazy video-game offense (much like a plethora of bad threes).

[KungFuJoe]

Wow, I wasn't expecting so much negativity about Harden tbh.


The guy is playing hurt. Legitimately. Has he been playing like crap lately? Yes. But we NBA fans always succumb to 'what have you done for me recently' disease, and it looks like a lot of ppl in this thread have it.

Secondly, about Harden's non-existent midrange game. It's the Rockets game plan NOT to take midrange shots, but to maximise three pointers and layups, the two most efficient shots you can take. Hence why you don't see Harden taking too many midrange jumpers, even though he's perfectly capable of making them.


What people are getting right: Harden's horrible defence and his offensive flopping. The dangerous thing about Harden though is that earlier in the season, his explosiveness to getting to the rim meant that you had to foul him or he would make easy layup. Now that the first step is gone, he's resorting to crappy fouls, which is really annoying, but hopefully will go away once he gets back to full health next season.

What's his excuse for taking bad shot after bad shot and coughing up the ball ten times last night when parsons was hot and pretty much single handedly brought them back. It's like this mother****er doesn't want anyone else stealing the spotlight from him.

Three plays in a row he didn't pass the ball once...dribbled the clock out and took a bad shot, including an airball.

Before that he had two TOs.

And this is not the only game he's done this in. He's been doing this 4th quarter, Hero ball shit for what seems like forever lately.

He's the main reason why the Rockets are facing OKC and not Denver or SA...his crappy, selfish play at the end of the season.

Even his "game winner" against the Suns was a brick.

I gave him the benefit of the doubt earlier. Now I just think he's an idiot. No defense, can't pass for shit, glares at Asik when he doesn't catch an alley oop that goes over the backboard. **** this guy.

And while I'm at it...**** McHale too. Never seen such a clueless, wussified coach like McHale. Why does he kiss hardens ass so much? He never should have been brought back in the fourth quarter last night.

[andremiller07]

He's the main reason why the Rockets are facing OKC and not Denver or SA...his crappy, selfish play at the end of the season.

Hes also 90% of the reason you are in the playoffs in the first place

[STATUTORY]

his game is so boring. it really signals the decline of the iso game in this league.

just a decade ago, the leading iso offensive players were guys like Iverson, Francis, Kobe, Tmac, Carter etc, guys that had a variety of dribble moves and deadly jumper from everywhere. They could cross you over twice then pull up in your face

now it's full of guys not even attempting to break their defender down and just drive to the hole flailing their arms for a foul. terrible to watch

[L.Kizzle]

Great player but his flaws are noticeable and it's his lack of D that hurts him the most IMO. Right now, I put him in a class with prime: Michael Redd, Latrell Sprewell, Gilbert Arenas, and Vince Carter. All great, imperfect players, but we will see how Harden differentiates himself in the near and distant future. I believe his clean shooting form/touch, alone, is conducive to big moments plus being a great slasher and left handed. But more than half the game is mental, effort, etc. Too often I see him looking to draw a foul rather than looking to score, which is not only a cheap way to score but I think it's lazy video-game offense (much like a plethora of bad threes).
Vince Carter, get real.

Carter
Sprewell
Arenas/Harden
Redd

[veilside23]

poor harden poor lin poor asik ... darn it ... give them another year...
this is what happens when you over pay role players :D

[SyRyanYang]

Vince Carter, get real.

Carter
Sprewell
Arenas/Harden
Redd

Prime wise Arenas>>>>>>>
Redd does not belong to this league.

[KungFuJoe]

Hes also 90% of the reason you are in the playoffs in the first place

Unfortunately harden believes he's 100% of the reason they are in the playoffs.

[SCdac]

Vince Carter, get real.

Carter
Sprewell
Arenas/Harden
Redd

I'm thinking "best case scenario" to "worst case scenario"... While Harden and Carter don't have identical playing style, best case scenario I can see Harden getting to that level (he's not there yet) at least as a scorer (perhaps not an all around player). Carter was young once too and at Harden's age he lead the Raptors to 45 wins and a first round exit. None the less, I'm probably not as high an Carter as you are. Worst case scenario Harden is merely another explosive scorer with range ala Michael Redd before injuries decimated his career.

[L.Kizzle]

I'm thinking "best case scenario" to "worst case scenario"... While Harden and Carter don't have identical playing style, best case scenario I can see Harden getting to that level (he's not there yet) at least as a scorer (perhaps not an all around player). Carter was young once too and at Harden's age he lead the Raptors to 45 wins and a first round exit. None the less, I'm probably not as high an Carter as you are. Worst case scenario Harden is merely another explosive scorer with range ala Michael Redd before injuries decimated his career.
He's a better Michael Finley.

[imnew09]

7/7

Bump!

[DMAVS41]

Credit where credit is due...he's been masterful tonight.

[Leftimage]

OP guilty of haste.

[liquidrage]

7/7

Bump!

Why you bumping? It's Harden. He'll probably go 6-19 with 5 TO's the next game. He did the same crap when he was in OKC. But because he was 3rd on the team no one said jack when he had bad games, but when he had good games it was all about how good he is.

He's a good player. But he's not as good as his best games because he has a ton of horrid games too. His playmaking is overrated (horrid assists to TO ratio) and goes hot and cold too much.

[Psycho]

OP guilty of haste.

Who is the one basing things off of one game?

[KungFuJoe]

I gotta admit...Harden is playing a LOT better tonight. He is passing more instead of forcing it and this is the reason why Houston is doing so well.

It doesn't hurt that he's perfect from 3 point land as well.

Hopefully, this game wakes up Harden and he realizes how much better he could and should be playing.

[9512]

Gotta love the game to game over reactions displayer on this thread.

Harden just had a decent game with "flu like symptoms" *cough hangover cough*

[spiegel]

Harden was sick all right. Overdose of greatness.

[Leftimage]

Who is the one basing things off of one game?

Harden wasn't a joke before this thread was made either...

[Xsatyr]

Harden wasn't a joke before this thread was made either...

Your avatar. :D

[Leftimage]

Your avatar. :D


Thank you, here is the original masterpiece for all to enjoy...

http://i.imgur.com/Juri2sy.jpg

[MisterAmazing]

it's what happens when your whole game is predicated on getting favorable calls from the refs

exactly this.