Growing up in Los Angeles, Harden says he studied three central influences who “formed me into who I am”: Kobe Bryant for his dynamism; Paul Pierce for his physicality, stepbacks, and midrange jumpers; and Manu Ginobili—a fellow lefty—for his downhill drives, side steps, and twisting finishes at the rim. He’s still watching. Harden’s off-court reputation may be characterized by stories of late nights, but people close to him say he isn’t credited enough for how much, and how closely, he studies basketball. During Clippers bus rides, Harden has been known to find a teammate or staffer watching another game on their phone and peer over their shoulder, commenting on what he’s seeing. It has helped him build a memory bank of opponent tendencies, which has helped Harden become a trusted post defender, in particular. One longtime league talent evaluator believes that only Chris Paul is as adept at saving a possession by knowing where an opponent will place the ball, then stripping it. -via The Ringer / April 20, 2024
About author
Related posts
“Gary Payton is the right choice for the College Of Alameda for a number of reasons,” athletic director Ramaundo Vaughn said. “Gary has always been... Continue reading
shares share post pin sms send email Olympic Games, Olympics, Steve Kerr, USA Basketball, Main Rumors Main Rumors, Olympic Games, Olympics, Steve Kerr, USA Basketball,... Continue reading
Former teammates Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid top the list of highest-paid players per game in NBA history, according to HoopsHype’s research (minimum 15 games... Continue reading
Vinny Benedetto @VBenedetto Aaron Gordon on the contract extension that he’s eligible to sign as soon as tomorrow: “I really love this organization. I love... Continue reading
The Mavs’ part-owner also elaborated on the qualities that drew him to Klay Thompson, who left the Golden State Warriors after 13 seasons to join... Continue reading
Add comment