“I’m not a fan of it in terms of winning championships,” Bryant said of Harden’s ball dominance.
“I don’t think that style’s ever gonna win championships. But at the same time, you have to keep your team’s head above water to win games. You have to do what you have to do to win games. And he’s doing that.”
That take coming from that player is sure to raise some chuckles in NBA fan circles. Bryant was one of the game’s great gunners, a shooter who always shot his shot and didn’t hesitate to take over the ball. He also did so in a considerably less efficient manner than Harden does.
Harden vs. Bryant
Harden’s style of step-back 3s and living at the free-throw line may be difficult to watch. But it’s also highly effective.
His career effective field goal percentage of 52.4 percent is better than Bryant’s best season when he logged a 50.4 effective field goal rate in 2012-13.
Simply put, Harden has done more with his shots over his career than Bryant ever did in a single season.