Klay Thompson > James Harden. The end. Losing your 1-on-1 battle twice in a row

[k0kakw0rld]

Klay, we are not worthy :bowdown: Best two way guard and all star. :applause: :rockon:

[juju151111]

Klay, we are not worthy :bowdown: Best two way guard and all star. :applause: :rockon:
Klay shitting on him. Got saved by some fts.

[UK2K]

I think its more Warriors > Rockets

[Smook A.]

I still think Harden is the best SG. Its just that him and Klay become different players when they go 1 on 1. This season, Klay is dominating him when they go head-to-head. Hopefully its the other way around the next season. HOPEFULLY :oldlol:

[russwest0]

Well yeah, Klay can still make a big impact when

a. the ball isn't in his hands, and
b. his shot isn't falling

[Milbuck]

Agreed. Lmfao at Harden getting MVP consideration. Dude is a scrub of the highest order.

[Smook A.]

Agreed. Lmfao at Harden getting MVP consideration. Dude is a scrub of the highest order.
:kobe:

Don't act like you weren't calling him MVP/best player in the league just a couple days ago :lol

[k0kakw0rld]

:kobe:

Don't act like you weren't calling him MVP/best player in the league just a couple days ago :lol
couple minutes ago lol

Now 27 points, Kids who did not watch the game will say MVP, MVP :facepalm

[Milbuck]

:kobe:

Don't act like you weren't calling him MVP/best player in the league just a couple days ago :lol
He was, for 48 hours. Dude is a fraud like always. Gonna bump my Harden Playoff Prediction Thread. Be sure to post in it, you cute bastard.

[triangleoffense]

People talking about Harden for MVP is seriously lulz worthy... not enough headlines for the talking heads on BSPN so they are just making shit up now =/

[el_locoteee]

http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/h2h_finder.cgi?request=1&p1=hardeja01&p2=thompkl01

[Lexington Steel]

Must be nice rooting for like the top 5 teams in the league. Surprised the Rockets aren't one of them. :oldlol:

[Biggyd81]

Klay is a fraud.

[bizil]

Klay is the top two way SG in the world. But I think Harden is the better offensive player. So it comes down to what u value more. I think scoring wise it's a tie. Klay plays with another alpha dog kind of guy in Steph so they split the pie scoring. But Harden's scoring skillset is more potent.

So would u rather have Klay's great two way ability or Harden's combo of great scoring and great passing? No doubt they are the top two SG's in the world and look to be rivals at that spot for years to come! If I had to pick, give me Harden. Harden gets 7 dimes and 6 boards a game to go with 27 points a night. Historically, only MJ, Kobe, Wade, West, and Drexler get those kind of numbers at the SG!

[bdreason]

Klay is a much better second option on a championship caliber team.


The real question is, is Harden a good enough first option on a championship caliber team?


I personally don't think so, and thus, I would rather have Klay if I'm trying to win a title. It's obvious Harden is a much better first option though.

[SugarHill]

Klay is the top two way SG in the world. But I think Harden is the better offensive player. So it comes down to what u value more. I think scoring wise it's a tie. Klay plays with another alpha dog kind of guy in Steph so they split the pie scoring. But Harden's scoring skillset is more potent.

So would u rather have Klay's great two way ability or Harden's combo of great scoring and great passing? No doubt they are the top two SG's in the world and look to be rivals at that spot for years to come! If I had to pick, give me Harden. Harden gets 7 dimes and 6 boards a game to go with 27 points a night. Historically, only MJ, Kobe, Wade, West, and Drexler get those kind of numbers at the SG!

How is their scoring a tie? :coleman:

[RightTwoCensor]

This thread belongs in the Cringe Thread.

[DukeDelonte13]

Klay is a much better second option on a championship caliber team.


The real question is, is Harden a good enough first option on a championship caliber team?


I personally don't think so, and thus, I would rather have Klay if I'm trying to win a title. It's obvious Harden is a much better first option though.


this.

[Jlamb47]

Harden > Thompson not even a comparison

[Dro]

Klay is a much better second option on a championship caliber team.


The real question is, is Harden a good enough first option on a championship caliber team?


I personally don't think so, and thus, I would rather have Klay if I'm trying to win a title. It's obvious Harden is a much better first option though.
This, this....Harden is a better player than Klay. Harden can be the #1 option and create for himself or teammates much better than Klay. You've got people saying Harden needs more help, Howard sucks, etc...

GS is the definition of stacked and I think Klay benefits from that....He is a better defender though, Harden has improved in that area....

[Papaya Petee]

http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/h2h_finder.cgi?request=1&p1=hardeja01&p2=thompkl01

Exactly..... Aside from the game last week, Harden has pretty much always outplayed Klay. His team is losing because the Warriors are clearly a better team....

[spiegel]

Harden is betta playmaker, scorer and 1st option the only clay does betta is shoot and defend. Is this some sorta joke? swap them an see how many wins clay would get as the number 1 option with teams doubling him and revolving their game plan around stoping him.

Plus harden started abusing clay in the 3rd anyway.

[k0kakw0rld]

Harden > Thompson not even a comparison
Klay is the better defender. Curry is the ball handler and Klay does what he does best which is shooting the ball. He does not need to score 25-30ppg, Curry does not even need to do it himself.

Harden has to dominate the ball. In recent games, when given the opportunity, Klay can be a great play maker. He learned how to slash and get to the FT line. Does not even need to cause he is an elite shooter. But still does to show y'all fools that he improved. His defense is the most amazing improvement in his game. He was not able to defend when he first got into the league. The transformation is mind blowing. He turned out to be one of the best perimeter players in this league in 3 yrs. :bowdown:

[Jlamb47]

Klay is the better defender. Curry is the ball handler and Klay does what he does best which is shooting the ball. He does not need to score 25-30ppg, Curry does not even need to do it himself.

Harden has to dominate the ball. In recent games, when given the opportunity, Klay can be a great play maker. He learned how to slash and get to the FT line. Does not even need to cause he is an elite shooter. But still does to show y'all fools that he improved. His defense is the most amazing improvement in his game. He was not able to defend when he first got into the league. The transformation is mind blowing. He turned out to be one of the best perimeter players in this league in 3 yrs. :bowdown:

Truuuuuee... STILL
Harden > Thompson

Put Thompson as 1st options on the rockets, his first step isnt quick enough to blow past defenders like Harden and he can create which he got better at but Harden is like top 3 at it

[ABfor3]

Truuuuuee... STILL
Harden > Thompson

Put Thompson as 1st options on the rockets, his first step isnt quick enough to blow past defenders like Harden and he can create which he got better at but Harden is like top 3 at it
Lmfao this thread is definitley a joke.
Harden> Klay
let me know when Klay averages 27 points 7assists and 6 rebounds while being the MAIN option which means defenses study your every move and all your tendencies. Oh yeah and he's also averaging about 2 steals and 1block. He's having a historical season.

[Jlamb47]

Lmfao this thread is definitley a joke.
Harden> Klay
let me know when Klay averages 27 points 7assists and 6 rebounds while being the MAIN option which means defenses study your every move and all your tendencies. Oh yeah and he's also averaging about 2 steals and 1block. He's having a historical season.

thissssssssss...Too many harden haters

[ABfor3]

thissssssssss...Too many harden haters
Yes it's crazy how ignorant these posters can be, the losses to the Warriors this year was hardly Hardens fault, they just got beat as a team. Harden did his part for the most part except for the 3rd game he was just off

[k0kakw0rld]

How is their scoring a tie? :coleman:
How? minus the fts Harden will be a 21-22ppg scorer. He gets to the line way too much and gets poossy calls :D

He is a 45% FG shooter for god sake. That's horrible :facepalm

[Dro]

How? minus the fts Harden will be a 21-22ppg scorer. He gets to the line way too much and gets poossy calls :D

He is a 45% FG shooter for god sake. That's horrible :facepalm
Thats an opinion, which I happen to agree with...But Harden is still a better ball handler, he's better at getting to the rim, much better, he's still a more capable scorer...Lets assume there were no such things as fouls or free throws.....Do you think Klay is a better pure scorer than Harden? I'm talking as a finisher and everything.....

[RoseCity07]

Klay is better.

[Jlamb47]

:wtf: to anyone really thinking Klay is better....Harden is top 2 MVP canidate this year...a better comparison is Harden Vs Curry

[RightTwoCensor]

Why does Harden get this hate? The fact that people are trying to argue that some 2nd option can compare to the league's leader in MVP Voting is pointless.

[SugarHill]

How? minus the fts Harden will be a 21-22ppg scorer. He gets to the line way too much and gets poossy calls :D

He is a 45% FG shooter for god sake. That's horrible :facepalm

45% for a shooting guard is good, you retard, especially if they're doing it on his production

Klay is assisted for most of his points. Harden is not. How great would Klay be shooting if he wasn't being fed so much?

[bizil]

How is their scoring a tie? :coleman:

In terms of numbers, I think Klay could put up 26 a night and be the top scorer on a title team. With the way he can stroke it, no reason he can't be like a Dale Ellis from back in the day shooting the rock. Dale was racking up multiple 25-28 point seasons in the 80's. So I meant scoring numbers wise Klay could compare to Harden IF he had to be the number one option.

BUT i said Harden has the better scoring skillset AND IS the better player. Klay plays with Curry and is still getting 22 points a night. I feel Klay is an alpha dog who JUST HAPPENS to be the second option. Every second option CAN'T say that. Guys like Klay and Westbrook can say that!

U saw how Harden EXPLODED on the scene once he left OKC. I think if Klay went to a team AND HAD to be the guy, he would put up points on a similar clip to what Harden did. If Reggie Miller, Ray Allen, and Dale Ellis can average 25-28 points a night, Klay can to if needed. Ray Allen became a 25-26 PPG when he left Milwaukee. He didn't have to split the pie with Big Dog and Cassell. I think Klay could do something similar if he had to be the guy!

[UK2K]

In terms of numbers, I think Klay could put up 26 a night and be the top scorer on a title team. With the way he can stroke it, no reason he can't be like a Dale Ellis from back in the day shooting the rock. Dale was racking up multiple 25-28 point seasons in the 80's. So I meant scoring numbers wise Klay could compare to Harden IF he had to be the number one option.

BUT i said Harden has the better scoring skillset AND IS the better player. Klay plays with Curry and is still getting 22 points a night. I feel Klay is an alpha dog who JUST HAPPENS to be the second option. Every second option CAN'T say that. Guys like Klay and Westbrook can say that!

U saw how Harden EXPLODED on the scene once he left OKC. I think if Klay went to a team AND HAD to be the guy, he would put up points on a similar clip to what Harden did. If Reggie Miller, Ray Allen, and Dale Ellis can average 25-28 points a night, Klay can to if needed. Ray Allen became a 25-26 PPG when he left Milwaukee. He didn't have to split the pie with Big Dog and Cassell. I think Klay could do something similar if he had to be the guy!

You really think Klay could be a first option on a team?

I can't see him carrying the load. Its easy to be efficient when you have Curry, Barnes, Iggy, Greene, Bogut, and Lee on your team.

Its different when you are on your own.

Klay is assisted on 50% of his two pointers and 88% of his threes.

Harden is assisted on 14% of his two point shots and 51% of his three point shots.

[Lexington Steel]

In terms of numbers, I think Klay could put up 26 a night and be the top scorer on a title team. With the way he can stroke it, no reason he can't be like a Dale Ellis from back in the day shooting the rock. Dale was racking up multiple 25-28 point seasons in the 80's. So I meant scoring numbers wise Klay could compare to Harden IF he had to be the number one option.

BUT i said Harden has the better scoring skillset AND IS the better player. Klay plays with Curry and is still getting 22 points a night. I feel Klay is an alpha dog who JUST HAPPENS to be the second option. Every second option CAN'T say that. Guys like Klay and Westbrook can say that!

U saw how Harden EXPLODED on the scene once he left OKC. I think if Klay went to a team AND HAD to be the guy, he would put up points on a similar clip to what Harden did. If Reggie Miller, Ray Allen, and Dale Ellis can average 25-28 points a night, Klay can to if needed. Ray Allen became a 25-26 PPG when he left Milwaukee. He didn't have to split the pie with Big Dog and Cassell. I think Klay could do something similar if he had to be the guy!
http://m.cdn.blog.hu/ko/kosar/sajo/bosh.jpg

[Dro]

You really think Klay could be a first option on a team?

I can't see him carrying the load. Its easy to be efficient when you have Curry, Barnes, Iggy, Greene, Bogut, and Lee on your team.

Its different when you are on your own.
I don't think Klay is a first option......I mean its arguable but I don't think he is....I don't think he creates for himself well enough or has a quick enough first step...He doesn't post up and to my knowledge doesn't get to the line a lot....If people are locking in him, not giving him room to shoot, and forcing him to his left and towards help all game, I don't see him being able to thrive in that situation...

[Genaro]

Harden is the better player but I don't think he can win a ring as the man. I would take Klay if I want to win a ring and already had a good ball handler and a superstar.

[UK2K]

Harden is the better player but I don't think he can win a ring as the man. I would take Klay if I want to win a ring and already had a good ball handler and a superstar.
I don't think he can win a ring with Dwight as a second option.

[bizil]

You really think Klay could be a first option on a team?

I can't see him carrying the load. Its easy to be efficient when you have Curry, Barnes, Iggy, Greene, Bogut, and Lee on your team.

Its different when you are on your own.

Klay is assisted on 50% of his two pointers and 88% of his threes.

Harden is assisted on 14% of his two point shots and 51% of his three point shots.

Well for starters Harden is the better player! Secondly, Harden is the PRIMARY PLAYMAKER on Houston! He initiates the offense. He's the leading assist guy on Houston. It's no different than what MJ, Kobe, or Wade would do from their shooting guard position. Or what Lebron would do from the SF. They aren't the PG in title BUT they were usually their team's top assist guy and playmaker. So my point is Harden has the ball in hands A LOT MORE!

Klay is more of SG in the realm of Dale Ellis or Reggie Miller. Guys looking to score AND NOT their team's primary playmaker. The things Klay does well is score and defend. So the ball isn't gonna be in his hands as much because he has a great PG to initiate the offense.

Once again some second options are really alpha dogs and others aren't. I think Klay can be an alpha dog in the realm of a Dale Ellis, Reggie Miller, Ray Allen, etc. I'm talking MERELY in terms of great shooters who are also great scorers from the SG position. I think he can score on a level similar to Harden, but in a different way. And lastly, I FEEL Harden is the better player!

[bizil]

I think many on here are underestimating Klay's scoring ability. I'm not saying he has the scoring arsenal of Harden. But Klay STILL has an elite scoring skillset. He doesn't have to go outta his way to show it because he's on a very talented offensive team. I think he's capable of putting up 26-27 a night on a playoff team just like Harden.

Once again, Harden is the better player. But u gotta look at Klay MORE THROUGH the prism of great shooters who are also great scorers. Not like guys such as MJ, Harden, Kobe, Wade, TMac, etc. at the SG. Klay had a different style than those guys do.

[Genaro]

I don't think he can win a ring with Dwight as a second option.
Who do think would be a second option in a James Harden championship team?

[Inferno]

I think its more Warriors > Rockets

^^^^

[UK2K]

Who do think would be a second option in a James Harden championship team?
A point guard who shoots 45% from three or a reliable PF. Aldridge would be sweet if we're dreaming.

Right now Harden doesn't have a knock down shooter or a reliable post player to go to. He's got himself, and several players who do one thing or another well, and suck at everything else.

[KungFuJoe]

A point guard who shoots 45% from three or a reliable PF. Aldridge would be sweet if we're dreaming.

Right now Harden doesn't have a knock down shooter or a reliable post player to go to. He's got himself, and several players who do one thing or another well, and suck at everything else.

You make it seem like the rest of the players suck. You guys are stacked with talent but no clue on how to leverage it.

In a way, you're like the Lakers, just with a helluva lot more talent. Bunch of new players, clueless coach, chemistry issues...can compete with the best, but can't sustain it over 4 quarters.

[knicksman]

Klay is the top two way SG in the world. But I think Harden is the better offensive player. So it comes down to what u value more. I think scoring wise it's a tie. Klay plays with another alpha dog kind of guy in Steph so they split the pie scoring. But Harden's scoring skillset is more potent.

So would u rather have Klay's great two way ability or Harden's combo of great scoring and great passing? No doubt they are the top two SG's in the world and look to be rivals at that spot for years to come! If I had to pick, give me Harden. Harden gets 7 dimes and 6 boards a game to go with 27 points a night. Historically, only MJ, Kobe, Wade, West, and Drexler get those kind of numbers at the SG!

ill take scoring and defense over passing/scoring. Passing and scoring arent compatible skills. And if you have a player like that, it means hes not a team player but a statpadder who wants points and assists in every possession. Hes playing 1 on 5 instead of letting his teammates or pg set him up for easy points. And thats the reason why the harden, bran, rose gets stopped in the playoffs. Same reason why jordans 32 8rpg 8apg jordan doesnt have much impact as 30 6rpg 4apg jordan who won 72 games.

[24-Inch_Chrome]

Passing and scoring arent compatible skills.

I like Klay > Harden personally but that statement isn't true.

Being pass first and shoot first aren't compatible mindsets for one person, but the ability to score and the ability to pass are absolutely compatible. The trick is understanding when each is the better option.

[ABfor3]

ill take scoring and defense over passing/scoring. Passing and scoring arent compatible skills. And if you have a player like that, it means hes not a team player but a statpadder who wants points and assists in every possession. Hes playing 1 on 5 instead of letting his teammates or pg set him up for easy points. And thats the reason why the harden, bran, rose gets stopped in the playoffs. Same reason why jordans 32 8rpg 8apg jordan doesnt have much impact as 30 6rpg 4apg jordan who won 72 games.
You lost your credibility when you said passing means not being a team player..were talking about a guy who makes the right passes and gives his teammates better looks at the baskets so they have a better chance at scoring. Harden has point guard vision, he averages 7 assists for crying out loud, most shooting guards average like 3 or 4, how is that not a team player?

[knicksman]

You lost your credibility when you said passing means not being a team player..were talking about a guy who makes the right passes and gives his teammates better looks at the baskets so they have a better chance at scoring. Harden has point guard vision, he averages 7 assists for crying out loud, most shooting guards average like 3 or 4, how is that not a team player?

Jordan is capable of averaging 10apg but when he played team ball(off ball). He only managed 4. So does it means Harden is GOAT or he wants to dominate the ball so he can have MVP like stats. Players like klay are what you call team player and look at their apg. When youre the scorer and you averaged high apg then that means youre statpadding and not a team player. Just ask iverson, marbury why teammates/coaches hate playing with them.

[knicksman]

I like Klay > Harden personally but that statement isn't true.

Being pass first and shoot first aren't compatible mindsets for one person, but the ability to score and the ability to pass are absolutely compatible. The trick is understanding when each is the better option.

The very basic of this game is to let your pg pass to a scorer. Which means they are at the opposite end or your scorer playing off ball and your pg dominating the ball. So its impossible to pass to yourself and score. So if youre a scorer, the least priority skill that you need is passing. Its ok to know how to pass but if youre the leading scorer and passer. Then thats the time youll realize hes not a team player and making the team less effective because your scorer is easy to stop. Off the ball scorers dont average that high of an assist but they are much harder to stop.

[UK2K]

Jordan is capable of averaging 10apg but when he played team ball(off ball). He only managed 4. So does it means Harden is GOAT or he wants to dominate the ball so he can have MVP like stats. Players like klay are what you call team player and look at their apg. When youre the scorer and you averaged high apg then that means youre statpadding and not a team player. Just ask iverson, marbury why teammates/coaches hate playing with them.

Klay is what you call a second option.

Meaning he doesn't handle the ball. He shoots when he's open, which is a lot considering he's playing with the likely MVP and several other scoring threats. He plays solid defense because he just runs off of screens until he's open on offense.

To lead the team in scoring and assists means you do everything. There's no other way to say it. Stat pad or whatever, you are the cog that makes the team run.

[UK2K]

The very basic of this game is to let your pg pass to a scorer. Which means they are at the opposite end or your scorer playing off ball and your pg dominating the ball. So its impossible to pass to yourself and score. So if youre a scorer, the least priority skill that you need is passing. Its ok to know how to pass but if youre the leading scorer and passer. Then thats the time youll realize hes not a team player and making the team less effective because your scorer is easy to stop. Off the ball scorers dont average that high of an assist but they are much harder to stop.
Not at all.

If you are the leading scorer, you're a threat. If you're the leading scorer and assiter, you are unstoppable.

You can double team anyone who can't pass no matter how good they are at scoring.

[J Shuttlesworth]

Do people honestly believe that replacing Harden with Klay on the Rockets would actually be an upgrade?

[navy]

Do people honestly believe that replacing Harden with Klay on the Rockets would actually be an upgrade?
No.

Klay is the perfect second option.

[UK2K]

No.

Klay is the perfect second option.

Agreed.

Klay in Harden's spot, this team doesnt make the playoffs.

[spiegel]

Do people honestly believe that replacing Harden with Klay on the Rockets would actually be an upgrade?
Not intelligent people.

[bizil]

When it comes to SG's, Harden is a great scorer and great passer. Plus he can get u 6 boards a night. Historically, not many SG's have that kind of skillset. Scoring wise, I think Klay is ACTUALLY alpha dog caliber but he's the second option behind Steph. And he smokes Harden when it comes to defense.

So I can buy Klay as a great or perfect second option BECAUSE he's alpha dog caliber. McHale, Magic, Westbrook, Wade, Dr. J, West, Kobe, etc. HAVE ALL BEEN 2nd options in their careers! But ALL were alpha dog level guys!

I think Klay fits into that realm. Not sayin he's as good as them, but I feel he qualifies for alpha dog level shit. The BEST SECOND OPTIONS scoring wise are ACTUALLY alpha level guys who accept that role. Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that Klay is ONLY 24 years old! He isn't even CLOSE to his peak years! Once again, compare Klay to great shooters who were also great scorers. Many of those kind of guys were alpha dog HOF kind of guys.

In terms of the playmaking side of things, he has Steph to handle that side of things. And as time goes on, I could see Klay being the leading scorer on GS as well as being the lockdown defender. He and Steph scoring wise as time goes on could fluctuate in terms of who leads the team in scoring. Once again Klay is ONLY 24 years old!

[knicksman]

Not at all.

If you are the leading scorer, you're a threat. If you're the leading scorer and assiter, you are unstoppable.

You can double team anyone who can't pass no matter how good they are at scoring.

Then I guess lebron and bird are unstoppable despite them being known to regress in the playoffs same with harden while jordan isnt because he lets pippen do the playmaking.

If you played basketball, You know its harder to score with the ball on your hands than without. And if you make the game harder than it should be then your making your team less effective. Theres a reason why harden always disappear in the playoffs because he makes the game harder than it should be.

[knicksman]

Do people honestly believe that replacing Harden with Klay on the Rockets would actually be an upgrade?

Miller achieved more than harden without another superstar. While rockets would be a 45 win team without howard.

[UK2K]

Then I guess lebron and bird are unstoppable despite them being known to regress in the playoffs same with harden while jordan isnt because he lets pippen do the playmaking.

If you played basketball, You know its harder to score with the ball on your hands than without. And if you make the game harder than it should be then your making your team less effective. Theres a reason why harden always disappear in the playoffs because he makes the game harder than it should be.
What?

What does playoffs have to do with passing?

If what you said is true, then anyone who has a usage rate above 25% would be the worst teammates.

[knicksman]

What?

What does playoffs have to do with passing?

If what you said is true, then anyone who has a usage rate above 25% would be the worst teammates.

It is in the playoffs that defense tightens and where this type of players are exposed.

Usage rate is attempts tho and not time of possession.

[UK2K]

In the last month, Harden is shooting 51/47/90.

People slobbing all over Curry's nuts for shooting like that, but Harden can do it and its no big deal. Like it's expected.

[Smook A.]

In the last month, Harden is shooting 51/47/90.

People slobbing all over Curry's nuts for shooting like that, but Harden can do it and its no big deal. Like it's expected.
This. I totally respect Curry, but Harden needs to get some credit.

And a BIG lol at you OP, for saying Klay > Harden just because he beat him in a 1 on 1 matchup two times.

[UK2K]

This. I totally respect Curry, but Harden needs to get some credit.

And a BIG lol at you OP, for saying Klay > Harden just because he beat him in a 1 on 1 matchup two times.

He didn't 'beat' him.

The Warriors beat the Rockets, and right now, the Warriors are the best team in basketball.

Compare their head to head match-ups?

Harden 24.9p, 5.8a, 4.9r 43/36/82
Thompson 15.9p, 2.1a, 3.1r 44/31/72

Even if you want to look at JUST THIS SEASON, Harden has still outplayed him, even facing a superior Warriors defense. I like Klay and hes fun to play with on 2k, but to compare the two is a joke.

[LakersForlife]

50 points through 3 quarters

[bizil]

Klay proved my point! Dude is an alpha dog level scorer BUT he plays with another alpha dog in Steph. Im telling u right now, peak wise Steph and Klay could go down as the best backcourt of ALL TIME! In the annuals of the NBA, HOW MANY times can u say your PG is among the top two PG's in the world AND your SG is among the top two SG's in the world!

And both are among the best shooters of ALL TIME! GOAT wise, as time goes on I think they could be the GOAT backcourt of all time. Once they start going on deep playoff runs and possibly winning rings, their stock is gonna go up GOAT wise.

[knicksman]

He didn't 'beat' him.

The Warriors beat the Rockets, and right now, the Warriors are the best team in basketball.

Compare their head to head match-ups?

Harden 24.9p, 5.8a, 4.9r 43/36/82
Thompson 15.9p, 2.1a, 3.1r 44/31/72

Even if you want to look at JUST THIS SEASON, Harden has still outplayed him, even facing a superior Warriors defense. I like Klay and hes fun to play with on 2k, but to compare the two is a joke.

Only betas make excuses.The reason why they are winning because their team runs like a well-oiled machine while harden just wants MVP stats. Good luck with your team bro coz they are sliiping and another first round exit this season.

[UK2K]

Only betas make excuses.The reason why they are winning because their team runs like a well-oiled machine while harden just wants MVP stats. Good luck with your team bro coz they are sliiping and another first round exit this season.

What excuse did I make? The stats support my argument.

So every team with less than 33 wins are just full of players looking for MVP stats?

Makes sense. Sound logic.

[knicksman]

What excuse did I make? The stats support my argument.

So every team with less than 33 wins are just full of players looking for MVP stats?

Makes sense. Sound logic.


So I guess atl is also stacked. You can still win with those but well see in the playoffs tho.

[UK2K]

So I guess atl is also stacked. You can still win with those but well see in the playoffs tho.

Um, in a way, yes they are. Stacked like the Spurs last year. Several potential all stars (Duncan, Kawahi, Parker for the Spurs, Teague, Millsap, Horford for the Hawks) and a bunch of role players who all have a specific skill set that fits in with the rest of the team.

Yeah, I would say they have a pretty solid roster.

[Richesly]

Sorry, but what can Klay do better than Harden besides shoot and ARGUABLY and a better defender?

I mean, Harden is the overall better player in almost every espect.

[knicksman]

Um, in a way, yes they are. Stacked like the Spurs last year. Several potential all stars (Duncan, Kawahi, Parker for the Spurs, Teague, Millsap, Horford for the Hawks) and a bunch of role players who all have a specific skill set that fits in with the rest of the team.

Yeah, I would say they have a pretty solid roster.

Im pretty sure everybody would be saying rockets are stacked if they only play the right way. It is what it is. This game is also based on rhythm and players like harden who holds the ball too much are rhythm killers. And worse, as Ive said its easy to stop them. Just look at how easy it is for klay to score while harden gets stopped by the butlers of this world. And thats how you identify whether a player is a team player or not. Coz team players are willing to sacrifice stats just to score easily and making more effective.

[knicksman]

Sorry, but what can Klay do better than Harden besides shoot and ARGUABLY and a better defender?

I mean, Harden is the overall better player in almost every espect.

because those 2 are the most important skills for a scorer. Not all skills are equally important so you just cant rank players based on stats. And worse is including apg in rankings when higher apg for a scorer means less team player thus more cancerous. So I dont rank players that way or else 32/8/8 jordan wouldve been better than 96 jordan or the iverson/marbury should be impactful players yet were considered cancers by teammates/coaches.

[UK2K]

Im pretty sure everybody would be saying rockets are stacked if they only play the right way. It is what it is. This game is also based on rhythm and players like harden who holds the ball too much are rhythm killers. And worse, as Ive said its easy to stop them. Just look at how easy it is for klay to score while harden gets stopped by the butlers of this world. And thats how you identify whether a player is a team player or not. Coz team players are willing to sacrifice stats just to score easily and making more effective.

Klay scores because he's a second option. That's not an opinion. That's a fact. Now, could he be a viable first option? Maybe, I don't think so, but we won't know until that day. But its easier to score when the other team is not focused on you, yes?

Curry's usage rate is 27.8%. Hardens is 30.2%. So whatever you think Harden does or doesn't do or however long you think he holds the ball, if what you're saying is true, then Curry should be in the same boat.

But he's not, because he has Thompson as a second option, and then Lee, Barnes, Greene, and everybody else on the warriors as second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth options.

There is no 'right way' for the Rockets to play. Fact is, Houston has more D league signings and second round picks then first round picks on their roster.

The team will go as far as Harden goes because he's all they've got. I like Dwight and all, but I'd swap him for Deandre Jordan in a heart beat. They do the same thing, but Jordan is much younger, and much more athletic.

Houston was one big signing away last playoffs, they'll be one big signing away this playoffs.

I don't know, are you suggesting that Harden give the ball up and let his second, third, and fourth options have a go at it? I've got news for you, Thompson/Lee/Bogut/Greene/Barnes are a lot better than Dwight/Ariza/Beverley/D Mo??/???. If you can't see that, then I don't know what else to tell you.

[knicksman]

Klay scores because he's a second option. That's not an opinion. That's a fact. Now, could he be a viable first option? Maybe, I don't think so, but we won't know until that day. But its easier to score when the other team is not focused on you, yes?

Curry's usage rate is 27.8%. Hardens is 30.2%. So whatever you think Harden does or doesn't do or however long you think he holds the ball, if what you're saying is true, then Curry should be in the same boat.

But he's not, because he has Thompson as a second option, and then Lee, Barnes, Greene, and everybody else on the warriors as second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth options.

There is no 'right way' for the Rockets to play. Fact is, Houston has more D league signings and second round picks then first round picks on their roster.

The team will go as far as Harden goes because he's all they've got. I like Dwight and all, but I'd swap him for Deandre Jordan in a heart beat. They do the same thing, but Jordan is much younger, and much more athletic.

Houston was one big signing away last playoffs, they'll be one big signing away this playoffs.

I don't know, are you suggesting that Harden give the ball up and let his second, third, and fourth options have a go at it? I've got news for you, Thompson/Lee/Bogut/Greene/Barnes are a lot better than Dwight/Ariza/Beverley/D Mo??/???. If you can't see that, then I don't know what else to tell you.


They could be co-1st options coz their roles dont overlap and they are much better with klay as the scorer. And klay is now their leading scorer per 36. And curry is much better shooter than harden so its not unreasonable to expect him to score that much but still he doesnt force the issue despite being more skilled than harden. He prefers to pass.

Basketball is a team game so you dont let your scorers have the ball in his hands or your team will have lots of lost opportunities to score because you make the game harder than it should be.

If you played dota, A scorers role is like carry and a pgs role is like support. Carries cant carry the team effectively later if supports dont support them.

[StephHamann]

Klay scores because he's a second option. That's not an opinion. That's a fact. Now, could he be a viable first option? Maybe, I don't think so, but we won't know until that day. But its easier to score when the other team is not focused on you, yes?

Curry's usage rate is 27.8%. Hardens is 30.2%. So whatever you think Harden does or doesn't do or however long you think he holds the ball, if what you're saying is true, then Curry should be in the same boat.

But he's not, because he has Thompson as a second option, and then Lee, Barnes, Greene, and everybody else on the warriors as second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth options.

There is no 'right way' for the Rockets to play. Fact is, Houston has more D league signings and second round picks then first round picks on their roster.

The team will go as far as Harden goes because he's all they've got. I like Dwight and all, but I'd swap him for Deandre Jordan in a heart beat. They do the same thing, but Jordan is much younger, and much more athletic.

Houston was one big signing away last playoffs, they'll be one big signing away this playoffs.

I don't know, are you suggesting that Harden give the ball up and let his second, third, and fourth options have a go at it? I've got news for you, Thompson/Lee/Bogut/Greene/Barnes are a lot better than Dwight/Ariza/Beverley/D Mo??/???. If you can't see that, then I don't know what else to tell you.




I could list a bunch of teams who need a scorer that would benefit from having Harden over a guy who shoots three and plays defense and, doesn't really do much of anything else. Luol Deng shoots threes and plays defense. So does Ariza. In fact, I'd take Ariza over Klay on the Rockets all day every day and twice on Sunday.



:yaohappy:

[The Genius]

because those 2 are the most important skills for a scorer. Not all skills are equally important so you just cant rank players based on stats. And worse is including apg in rankings when higher apg for a scorer means less team player thus more cancerous. So I dont rank players that way or else 32/8/8 jordan wouldve been better 96 jordan or the iverson/marbury should be impactful players yet were considered cancers by teammates/coaches.

Iverson wasn't an impactful player? You should have gone with Marbury and someone like Steve Francis. Iverson was the definition of impactful and receives far more hate than he deserves on here.

[plowking]

Defensively Klay is ahead of Harden (no question) but lets not act like that's the deciding factor. Right now James Harden believe it or not is more proven as the primary option. Klay has the tools and drive to be better, but we'll have to wait and see that develop. Give me Harden for the time being.. 1-2 years from now? Who knows..

Is he better defensively though? Hasn't Harden massively improved, and is among the leaders in defensive win shares and all those other advanced stats?

[UK2K]

Is he better defensively though? Hasn't Harden massively improved, and is among the leaders in defensive win shares and all those other advanced stats?
From another thread:

SPG

Harden 1.9
Thompson 1.2
Butler 1.8

BPG

Harden .9
Thompson 1.0
Butler .7

DRtg

Harden 101
Thompson 102
Butler 105

DWS

Harden 2.5
Thompson 1.8
Butler 1.7

DBPM

Harden 1.2
Thompson 0
Butler .4

Except that in every measurable defensive statistic, Harden is similar, if not better, than those other two. Those who continually repeat that Harden is simply an average defender this season, haven't watched him. He's a totally different player.

[knicksman]

Iverson wasn't an impactful player? You should have gone with Marbury and someone like Steve Francis. Iverson was the definition of impactful and receives far more hate than he deserves on here.

1 50+ win team in his career. Miller has many of that yet iverson has 1 MVP and is considered superstar.

[The Genius]

1 50+ win team in his career. Miller has many of that yet iverson has 1 MVP and is considered superstar.

You said Iverson wasn't impactful. I argue you are incorrect. I've no idea what Miller has to do with anything. However, the Pacers during Millers time consistently fielded a better team than anything Iverson had in Philly. I would argue that is a point in Iversons favor.

Regardless, excellent performance from Klay. Will be interested to see how he progresses from here.

[UK2K]

Defensive numbers IMO doesn't do justice to solid, non-gambling 1on1 defenders in the like of a Bruce Bowen, Shane Battier etc.. Harden has improved since the Olympics, but going from what I've seen, Klay plays much harder on that end night in and night out.. but regardless of how much of a gap that may or may not be defensively, I'm going with Harden.

Oh I agree, you can't go strictly by numbers when it comes to defensive presence.

That being said, it gives you a nice comparison tool to work with. I think Klay is the better defender, but it's not as big of a gap as some may think.

[Mr Exlax]

Klay plays better defense because he can use more energy because he's not his team's primary scorer, ball handler and playmaker. Harden has to do everything and even plays defense. I would imagine klay would finally do better in a head to head match up. Still though, Harden > Klay 7 days a week.

[IGOTGAME]

Klay is a much better second option on a championship caliber team.


The real question is, is Harden a good enough first option on a championship caliber team?


I personally don't think so, and thus, I would rather have Klay if I'm trying to win a title. It's obvious Harden is a much better first option though.

Harden looked really good as a third option off the bench in OKC. I think Harden can play any role he needs to offensively. Its also not fair to compare them bc GSW has one of the most stacked teams top to bottom in recent memory. Its the ideal sitution for Klay to succeed as a second option. You couldnt draw up a better situation where he is the second best player.