James Harden is a crushingly, amazing bball player (I cannot believe how wrong I was)

[ecuhus1981]

So this dude really isn't going to come back at all possibly? Come on

CR7 is far from my favorite footballer, but I think his patented gesture applies here:



Let's be patient. I want to see Harden back soon as well, this "abundance of caution" injury prevention strategy can be maddening at times. But, ultimately I think it's the smarter approach.

Nash has intimated that if it were already the playoffs, James would be a go. They have some time and he's not 100%, so we might as well give ourselves the best chance of having a completely healthy Harden for the postseason. I hope he gets to play on a few regular season games to shake off the rust, but if not, at least we've done our level best.

[sashaturiaf]

If there was one season to exercise caution this would be the one.. the schedule is just brutal, LeBron just left the game today in his 2nd game back because of the same ankle.

I really don't want to see harden again until the final game of the regular season, and that goes for KD and Kyrie too. Give us a steady supply of Alize. There is nothing left to gain or prove, homecourt without fans isnt worth much.

[Whiskey Slick]

If there was one season to exercise caution this would be the one.. the schedule is just brutal, LeBron just left the game today in his 2nd game back because of the same ankle.

I really don't want to see harden again until the final game of the regular season, and that goes for KD and Kyrie too. Give us a steady supply of Alize. There is nothing left to gain or prove, homecourt without fans isnt worth much.

Did you hear what LeBron said after the game, following the setback?

He admitted the setback was as costly as it gets: "I don't think I'll be 100% ever again."

Presumably he was referring to this season only, playoffs included, but still that essentially ends the Lakers possibilities of repeating as champions or even coming out of the west. Their season is irrelevant now.

THIS is why the Nets are being especially cautious with Harden and it's unlikely we will see him again this regular season. Luckily we also get about another week or so off when the season ends, as the play-in games are being played. Then, if he's definitely 100% cleared by the medical staff and trainers, he'll probably return for the opening round of the playoffs. If there was any chance of bringing him back too soon, the LeBron re-injury scared them stiff. They are not going to blow this shot at a championship the way the Lakers did.

So if he's still not cleared as 100% (99% won't do), we might have to give him even more time and play the first round without him. Fortunately we should be able to win the first round with or without him anyway.

That said, I expect him back for the opening round. Again, that play-in week is a real blessing, but only if he's been cleared as 100% with no risk for re-injury. The Nets are trying to win a championship THIS YEAR and the last thing they need is a repeat of the LeBron nightmare scenario that just ended their season.

[Prokorov]

If there was one season to exercise caution this would be the one.. the schedule is just brutal, LeBron just left the game today in his 2nd game back because of the same ankle.

I really don't want to see harden again until the final game of the regular season, and that goes for KD and Kyrie too. Give us a steady supply of Alize. There is nothing left to gain or prove, homecourt without fans isnt worth much.

Did you here what LeBron said after the game, following the setback?

He admitted the setback was as costly as it gets: "I don't think I'll be 100% ever again."

Presumably he was referring to this season, playoffs included, but still that essentially ends the Lakers possibilities of repeating as champions or even coming out of the west. Their season is irrelevant now.

THIS is why the Nets are being especially cautious with Harden and it's unlikely we will see him again this regular season. Luckily we also get about another week or so off when the season ends, as the play-in games are being played. Then, if he's definitely 100% cleared by the medical staff and trainers, he'll probably return for the opening round of the playoffs. If there was any chance of bringing him back too soon, the LeBron re-injury scared them stiff. They are not going to blow this shot at a championship the way the Lakers did.

So if he's still not cleared as 100% (99% won't do), we might have to give him even more time and play the first round without him. Fortunately we should be able to win the first round with or without him anyway.

That said, I expect him back for the opening round. Again, that play-in week is a real blessing, but only if he's been cleared as 100% with no risk for re-injury. The Nets are trying to win a championship THIS YEAR and the last thing they need is a repeat of the LeBron nightmare scenario that just ended their season.

This is all spot on.

Nash';s recent comments worry me though. especially since he has been so optomistic prior with injuries. i think its a real chance harden is out for alot longer and they are keeping it tight ot the vest. hopefully thats an overeaction

[Hello Brooklyn]

Harden will need a few games to get back into game shape though. Hopefully he can ramp up in the First Round.

[GTR11]

Good news

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My day just got better.

[Hello Brooklyn]

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Looks like Harden is just working on conditioning now. Seems like he will be back in a few games and before the playoffs.

Best news I've heard so far.

[MrDollarBills]

Thank god, we need him to run the offense. ISO KD and Kyrie needs to end.

[Openheimer]

I think harden might play in Chicago in limited minutes and start ramping it up for the last three games

[gigantes]

I think harden might play in Chicago in limited minutes and start ramping it up for the last three games

No question in my mind that our playoff success (or failure) is going to be mainly-related to the Beard's recovery and our team's ability to gather around him effectively.

That probably sounds complicated in many situations like this (and it arguably is), but if there's *ONE* magical player on Earth who might make a situation like this suddenly work, THAT'S THE GUY... well, outside of one or two other major geniuses like Jokic & LeBron.

Sostenga sus sombreros, amigos!
("sustain your hats," i.e. hold on to yer hats!)

[GTR11]

Thank god, we need him to run the offense. ISO KD and Kyrie needs to end.

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[ecuhus1981]

I think harden might play in Chicago in limited minutes and start ramping it up for the last three games

No question in my mind that our playoff success (or failure) is going to be mainly-related to the Beard's recovery and our team's ability to gather around him effectively.

That probably sounds complicated in many situations like this (and it arguably is), but if there's *ONE* magical player on Earth who might make a situation like this suddenly work, THAT'S THE GUY... well, outside of one or two other major geniuses like Jokic & LeBron.

Sostenga sus sombreros, amigos!
("sustain your hats," i.e. hold on to yer hats!)

Exactly.

Harden is one of 3 players in the planet who, if needed, could change the entire complexion of a game in limited minutes and at half speed. His dominance requires less quick twitch acceleration and explosive firing off of his kinetic chain than most superstars. He controls the game with unparalleled footwork, anticipation, touch and... well, mentalism. He baits defenders so hard, it forces them to guess wrong. I am so excited for his return!

[gigantes]

[Harden's] dominance requires less quick twitch acceleration and explosive firing off of his kinetic chain than most superstars. He controls the game with unparalleled footwork, anticipation, touch and... well, mentalism. He baits defenders so hard, it forces them to guess wrong. I am so excited for his return!

Could you explain, pls? Not sure I fully understand, but love it, far as I can!

So, slow-twitch vs. fast-twitch muscle training, I think I got that. "Kinetic chain" is really interesting, tho. So... like... resting energy converted wonderfully to energy in play? Or something?

"Mentalism" is definitely right, and I can understand that one. Really, I'm not sure I've ever seen a smarter / more effective player than the Beard (all hail).

[ecuhus1981]

Yeah, the kinetic chain is a strength and conditioning term, for all of the muscles and ligaments from our feet to our hips that control bipedal motion. Some stars whose excellence relies on that elite burst of strength and speed are never the same after an injury along their kinetic chain. When they don't have that edge, they're very ordinary. Plus, they're usually compensating by over-exerting something else (see: Wall, John).

Harden is so freakishly good, it's been half a year and still I can't believe we have him!

[HardenGoat]

Luka relies less on his kinetic chain and more on his mentalism and I saw a move by Brook Lopez the other day that looked like it was in slow motion

[GTR11]

The return of MVP happens tonight

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[HardenGoat]

Awesome! this is going to be the start of something truly special. To put this into perspective, a 27/7 record is the same as a 61 win regular season, or winning 54 games which would be the best in the NBA this year (Jazz could get 53 if they win out). That's incredible considering all the challenges and the number of different starting lineups we had. Once our big 3 get in rhythm there will be no stopping us - Buckle up!

[Nuthin But Net]

I’ve been a Harden superfan for years. I correctly predicted he would be awesome with the Nets. Not trying to brag lol.