James Harden vs. Gilbert Arenas

[dankok8]

All this time watching Harden I knew he reminds me of someone the way he plays but I wasn't sure. Then I realized he's like Hibachi aka Agent Zero aka Gilbert "Guns Blazing!" Arenas.

Both of them are deceptively quick with great handles, excellent jumpshooters but both are also high usage players that don't put much effort on defense.

Who is the better player at their peaks?

[HylianNightmare]

I think hardens a better passer

[inclinerator]

harden is much better

[NBAGOAT]

Harden because of his playmaking, better foul drawing, and better finishing ability.

[bobopenguin]

i dont like both, but i pick agent zero.

his game was entertaining.

[smoovegittar]

Oh, Harden's a better flopper, hands-down.

[ShawkFactory]

Arenas was definitely more entertaining but Harden is probably the more effective all-aroun player.

[Sportal]

Arenas was more entertaining as someone mentioned. But I don't think Harden has been at his peak yet. Imagine when he learns to score without flopping...

Idk, what are their numbers in their best seasons?

[TomCat]

harden drops 30, gives up 30.

at least gilbert can defend.

[RoundMoundOfReb]

harden easily

[AintNoSunshine]

Come to think of it, they are so similar I think there's a chance they could be biological brothers separately at birth.

[ScalsFan21]

Arenas was more entertaining as someone mentioned. But I don't think Harden has been at his peak yet. Imagine when he learns to score without flopping...

Idk, what are their numbers in their best seasons?

Statistically...

Arenas 2005-06:

29.3/6.1/3.5/2.0/0.3 with 3.7 TOs on 44.7% FG and 58.1% TS (also had 34 PPG in almost 48 minutes of play in playoffs)

Harden probably this past year:

29.0/7.5/6.1/1.7/0.6 with 4.6 historic TOs on 43.9% FG and 59.8% TS.

I hate them both and don't even want to choose, so I won't. Would never want either one on my favorite team really, but I think Harden's sieve-like D makes this a real debate. It's definitely a lot closer IMO than it's being made out to be at their absolute PEAKS, but career-wise Harden will no-doubt drub Agent Crap.

[Proctor]

Arenas had something Harden will never have and that is that he was clutch. No, his style of play didn't always lead to wins, and no he wasn't a great defender. But Harden doesn't have much if anything over him at all.

And he actually showed up in the playoffs.