Which NBA player wins 1v1? ft. Tracy McGrady

[dhsilv2]

There is no possible way Harden beats Wade one on one.

What? Harden might be the best non big man I could imagine in 1 on 1. Dudes just unstoppable. Assuming 1's and 2's he'd be just unbeatable.

The superlatives also go the other way for Harden's defense. There is no way Harden is stopping Wade.
It's a totally different game when there are 10 people on the court and the possibility of someone setting a pick on you, than it is going straight one-on-one with no other factors to consider.

I can definitely see Wade taking it because of many factors, including the fact that Harden gets that deer in the headlights look when things get really tight, so depending on how big of a tournament or what's on the line for the one-on-one, I could see Harden choking.

Harden is also bigger and stronger than Wade which in a one on one would be a factor as well. So yeah agree, all the more reason why this wouldn't be a close one. Obviously Hakeem is the GOAT choice in a one on one event. You might take Kareem in that. Jokic obviously. And you might have a few more pretty good big men choices. Then you get the non bigs and I think MJ, Lebron, and Harden would be the next group.

[dhsilv2]

There is no possible way Harden beats Wade one on one.

What? Harden might be the best non big man I could imagine in 1 on 1. Dudes just unstoppable. Assuming 1's and 2's he'd be just unbeatable.

For one thing, Harden can’t guard Wade. Wade on the other hand would at least be able to make Harden work harder for his baskets and outright disrupt his offense at times. Given Wade’s physical advantages and speed, it’s hard to imagine Wade not having his way with harden on every single possession.

Physical advantages? Wade is smaller and weaker. He's got a great first step but his jumper isn't such that Harden has to worry. Harden has good hands on defense and assuming this isn't NBA ref's calling ticky tack fouls, Harden's got a much lower center of gravity and can't be dislodged by Wade while he could effortlessly move Wade when he's scoring.

And we haven't even gotten into Harden could just turn it into a game of 2's vs 1's with his step back which is just completely unguardable.

[CometGM]

What? Harden might be the best non big man I could imagine in 1 on 1. Dudes just unstoppable. Assuming 1's and 2's he'd be just unbeatable.

The superlatives also go the other way for Harden's defense. There is no way Harden is stopping Wade.
It's a totally different game when there are 10 people on the court and the possibility of someone setting a pick on you, than it is going straight one-on-one with no other factors to consider.

I can definitely see Wade taking it because of many factors, including the fact that Harden gets that deer in the headlights look when things get really tight, so depending on how big of a tournament or what's on the line for the one-on-one, I could see Harden choking.

Harden is also bigger and stronger than Wade which in a one on one would be a factor as well. So yeah agree, all the more reason why this wouldn't be a close one. Obviously Hakeem is the GOAT choice in a one on one event. You might take Kareem in that. Jokic obviously. And you might have a few more pretty good big men choices. Then you get the non bigs and I think MJ, Lebron, and Harden would be the next group.

Again, Harden's game 5 on 5 doing ISO's is great, but it won't play out the way you'd imagine if it's truly one-on-one.

Watch on YouTube

[dhsilv2]

The superlatives also go the other way for Harden's defense. There is no way Harden is stopping Wade.
It's a totally different game when there are 10 people on the court and the possibility of someone setting a pick on you, than it is going straight one-on-one with no other factors to consider.

I can definitely see Wade taking it because of many factors, including the fact that Harden gets that deer in the headlights look when things get really tight, so depending on how big of a tournament or what's on the line for the one-on-one, I could see Harden choking.

Harden is also bigger and stronger than Wade which in a one on one would be a factor as well. So yeah agree, all the more reason why this wouldn't be a close one. Obviously Hakeem is the GOAT choice in a one on one event. You might take Kareem in that. Jokic obviously. And you might have a few more pretty good big men choices. Then you get the non bigs and I think MJ, Lebron, and Harden would be the next group.

Again, Harden's game 5 on 5 doing ISO's is great, but it won't play out the way you'd imagine if it's truly one-on-one.

If your augment is KD should have been on my list then yes. I missed him. But all I'm seeing is Harden missed a couple gimmie shots, made my point about his hands being great and his strength for that matter. And these unlike Wade are both better shooters and taller guys than Wade.

[CometGM]

Harden is also bigger and stronger than Wade which in a one on one would be a factor as well. So yeah agree, all the more reason why this wouldn't be a close one. Obviously Hakeem is the GOAT choice in a one on one event. You might take Kareem in that. Jokic obviously. And you might have a few more pretty good big men choices. Then you get the non bigs and I think MJ, Lebron, and Harden would be the next group.

Again, Harden's game 5 on 5 doing ISO's is great, but it won't play out the way you'd imagine if it's truly one-on-one.

If your augment is KD should have been on my list then yes. I missed him. But all I'm seeing is Harden missed a couple gimmie shots, made my point about his hands being great and his strength for that matter. And these unlike Wade are both better shooters and taller guys than Wade.

I was more so pointing out Harden's defense, or lack-there-of. Also Wade would go much harder in 1v1. Now if you ask me who I think was a better scorer in the NBA 5v5, then I would definitely choose Harden. Just them two going 1v1 with no other factors i'd put my money on Wade.

[dhsilv2]

Again, Harden's game 5 on 5 doing ISO's is great, but it won't play out the way you'd imagine if it's truly one-on-one.

If your augment is KD should have been on my list then yes. I missed him. But all I'm seeing is Harden missed a couple gimmie shots, made my point about his hands being great and his strength for that matter. And these unlike Wade are both better shooters and taller guys than Wade.

I was more so pointing out Harden's defense, or lack-there-of. Also Wade would go much harder in 1v1. Now if you ask me who I think was a better scorer in the NBA 5v5, then I would definitely choose Harden. Just them two going 1v1 with no other factors i'd put my money on Wade.

Harden's defense wasn't bad at all here. I mean...you can't exactly stop a KD fade away. And even then he made KD double clutch and forced a miss.

[realball]

The statistical iso king of the last decade has no chance of beating Wade 1v1? That's a bold statement.

Please explain to me how Harden is supposed to guard Wade. I'll wait.

Give him 2-3 feet and body him once he gets near the rim. Wade wasn't an elite iso player. He was one of the greatest off ball slashers in NBA history, maybe even over young MJ.

WTF, Wade wasn't an elite iso player? That is insane... Wade absolutely was elite with the ball in his hands. He was practically Miami's PG with how much he had the ball in his hands. Do you honestly think he scored most of his points by "slashing of-ball"? That's makes no sense. Did you only watch him after Lebron joined the team?

Wade was much more athletic than Harden. His first step was even more explosive. Players used to give him 2-3 feet all the time, it never worked. And he was one of the most elite SG defenders ever. Harden's only advantage is that he's a better shooter, but Wade's defense outweighs Harden's stepback significantly.

[Iwasawitness]

What? Harden might be the best non big man I could imagine in 1 on 1. Dudes just unstoppable. Assuming 1's and 2's he'd be just unbeatable.

For one thing, Harden can’t guard Wade. Wade on the other hand would at least be able to make Harden work harder for his baskets and outright disrupt his offense at times. Given Wade’s physical advantages and speed, it’s hard to imagine Wade not having his way with harden on every single possession.

Physical advantages? Wade is smaller and weaker. He's got a great first step but his jumper isn't such that Harden has to worry. Harden has good hands on defense and assuming this isn't NBA ref's calling ticky tack fouls, Harden's got a much lower center of gravity and can't be dislodged by Wade while he could effortlessly move Wade when he's scoring.

And we haven't even gotten into Harden could just turn it into a game of 2's vs 1's with his step back which is just completely unguardable.

I don’t know which is worse, you saying Wade is weaker than Harden or that he isn’t a good iso player like you did in the other post. Either way, both are pretty laughable statements to make.

[dhsilv2]

Please explain to me how Harden is supposed to guard Wade. I'll wait.

Give him 2-3 feet and body him once he gets near the rim. Wade wasn't an elite iso player. He was one of the greatest off ball slashers in NBA history, maybe even over young MJ.

WTF, Wade wasn't an elite iso player? That is insane... Wade absolutely was elite with the ball in his hands. He was practically Miami's PG with how much he had the ball in his hands. Do you honestly think he scored most of his points by "slashing of-ball"? That's makes no sense. Did you only watch him after Lebron joined the team?

Wade was much more athletic than Harden. His first step was even more explosive. Players used to give him 2-3 feet all the time, it never worked. And he was one of the most elite SG defenders ever. Harden's only advantage is that he's a better shooter, but Wade's defense outweighs Harden's stepback significantly.

Context matters. We're discussing elite among all players ever. Not in the league for a season. And I'll just ignore the athletic stuff as you clearly don't even know what being athletic is.

[dhsilv2]

For one thing, Harden can’t guard Wade. Wade on the other hand would at least be able to make Harden work harder for his baskets and outright disrupt his offense at times. Given Wade’s physical advantages and speed, it’s hard to imagine Wade not having his way with harden on every single possession.

Physical advantages? Wade is smaller and weaker. He's got a great first step but his jumper isn't such that Harden has to worry. Harden has good hands on defense and assuming this isn't NBA ref's calling ticky tack fouls, Harden's got a much lower center of gravity and can't be dislodged by Wade while he could effortlessly move Wade when he's scoring.

And we haven't even gotten into Harden could just turn it into a game of 2's vs 1's with his step back which is just completely unguardable.

I don’t know which is worse, you saying Wade is weaker than Harden or that he isn’t a good iso player like you did in the other post. Either way, both are pretty laughable statements to make.

Harden might be the strongest guard in NBA history dude.

[Shock Defeat]

Please explain to me how Harden is supposed to guard Wade. I'll wait.

Give him 2-3 feet and body him once he gets near the rim. Wade wasn't an elite iso player. He was one of the greatest off ball slashers in NBA history, maybe even over young MJ.

WTF, Wade wasn't an elite iso player? That is insane... Wade absolutely was elite with the ball in his hands. He was practically Miami's PG with how much he had the ball in his hands. Do you honestly think he scored most of his points by "slashing of-ball"? That's makes no sense. Did you only watch him after Lebron joined the team?

Wade was much more athletic than Harden. His first step was even more explosive. Players used to give him 2-3 feet all the time, it never worked. And he was one of the most elite SG defenders ever. Harden's only advantage is that he's a better shooter, but Wade's defense outweighs Harden's stepback significantly.

Wade isn't 100% better than harden on D. But hardens step back is 100% more effective than what Wade can do scoring if it's a 1s/2s game

Hardens problem has always been laziness on defense and getting beat off ball. His on ball defense isn't terrible and Wade can't back him down. Wade will get his but harden has more ways to stop Wade than vice versa

[bledredwine]

I'd like to know the reasoning for his Pippen vs Kawhi answer. The opposite answer would have been a pretty fast pick for me. In fact its probably the easiest one, aside from KD vs. Bird, which KD would dominate.

No disagreements elsewhere. The Nash vs Kidd one on one would be interesting though. Awful scorer with great defense vs great scorer with awful defense.

Yeah, the Pipp Kawhi is his one answer that I found questionable.

Kawhi has similar defense and a much better midrange game to withstand the defense.
Pipp's advantage was that he was quicker than Kawhi, better at using the backboard and more athletic.

But he doesn't have the touch that Kawhi does.

[dhsilv2]

I'd like to know the reasoning for his Pippen vs Kawhi answer. The opposite answer would have been a pretty fast pick for me. In fact its probably the easiest one, aside from KD vs. Bird, which KD would dominate.

No disagreements elsewhere. The Nash vs Kidd one on one would be interesting though. Awful scorer with great defense vs great scorer with awful defense.

Yeah, the Pipp Kawhi is his one answer that I found questionable.

Kawhi has similar defense and a much better midrange game to withstand the defense.

The biggest gap is that Leonard is just a lot stronger. Leonard is the guy who gets blocked and still makes the shot because the ball never leaves his giant catchers mitts. Gotta agree with you both on that one.

[bledredwine]

I'd like to know the reasoning for his Pippen vs Kawhi answer. The opposite answer would have been a pretty fast pick for me. In fact its probably the easiest one, aside from KD vs. Bird, which KD would dominate.

No disagreements elsewhere. The Nash vs Kidd one on one would be interesting though. Awful scorer with great defense vs great scorer with awful defense.

Yeah, the Pipp Kawhi is his one answer that I found questionable.

Kawhi has similar defense and a much better midrange game to withstand the defense.

The biggest gap is that Leonard is just a lot stronger. Leonard is the guy who gets blocked and still makes the shot because the ball never leaves his giant catchers mitts. Gotta agree with you both on that one.

I can't agree on Kawhi being stronger, or at least enough that it would be tough for Pipp. Scottie was also very strong and weighed slightly more. I've seen Pipp body some strong power forwards and big dudes.

If you were talking about rookie or young Pipp, sure, he was a twig, but not post-detroit loss Scottie.
He's clearly quicker and more athletic than Kawhi as well. He also
was more explosive and made better use of the backboard.

You can't leave Scottie's advantages that I listed when you quote me. Leave it all in.

But yes, Kawhi still wins that matchup simply because of his touch.

[realball]

Give him 2-3 feet and body him once he gets near the rim. Wade wasn't an elite iso player. He was one of the greatest off ball slashers in NBA history, maybe even over young MJ.

WTF, Wade wasn't an elite iso player? That is insane... Wade absolutely was elite with the ball in his hands. He was practically Miami's PG with how much he had the ball in his hands. Do you honestly think he scored most of his points by "slashing of-ball"? That's makes no sense. Did you only watch him after Lebron joined the team?

Wade was much more athletic than Harden. His first step was even more explosive. Players used to give him 2-3 feet all the time, it never worked. And he was one of the most elite SG defenders ever. Harden's only advantage is that he's a better shooter, but Wade's defense outweighs Harden's stepback significantly.

Context matters. We're discussing elite among all players ever. Not in the league for a season. And I'll just ignore the athletic stuff as you clearly don't even know what being athletic is.

I'm sorry, do you think Wade was some flash in the pan player who was only good for one season or something?

If you think Harden is even in the same stratosphere as Wade in terms of athleticism? First you're comparing Wade to MJ as an off-ball slasher... but simultaneously think Harden is that elite category of athleticism?

Honestly, your judgment is just shameful.

[dhsilv2]

Yeah, the Pipp Kawhi is his one answer that I found questionable.

Kawhi has similar defense and a much better midrange game to withstand the defense.

The biggest gap is that Leonard is just a lot stronger. Leonard is the guy who gets blocked and still makes the shot because the ball never leaves his giant catchers mitts. Gotta agree with you both on that one.

I can't agree on Kawhi being stronger, or at least enough that it would be tough for Pipp. Scottie was also very strong and weighed slightly more. I've seen Pipp body some strong power forwards and big dudes.

If you were talking about rookie or young Pipp, sure, he was a twig, but not post-detroit loss Scottie.
He's clearly quicker and more athletic than Kawhi as well. He also
was more explosive and made better use of the backboard.

You can't leave Scottie's advantages that I listed when you quote me. Leave it all in.

But yes, Kawhi still wins that matchup simply because of his touch.

lol...Pippen didn't weigh more than Leonard. And the hand strength differences alone here were really all that needed to be discuss and a lot of that comes from just mechanical advantages. Big hands don't lose control of the ball when hit. Pippen doesn't have nearly that kind of hand strength and it makes a huge difference when you're swiping at the ball.

Just for fun, look at their legs (where you see the biggest differences in strength and power, and mass between most guys). Their upper bodies aren't that close either but legs are what matter. And yeah sorry for the off season photo...freaking hard to get leg shots with longer shorts and compression stuff guys wear now.

[realball]

Give him 2-3 feet and body him once he gets near the rim. Wade wasn't an elite iso player. He was one of the greatest off ball slashers in NBA history, maybe even over young MJ.

WTF, Wade wasn't an elite iso player? That is insane... Wade absolutely was elite with the ball in his hands. He was practically Miami's PG with how much he had the ball in his hands. Do you honestly think he scored most of his points by "slashing of-ball"? That's makes no sense. Did you only watch him after Lebron joined the team?

Wade was much more athletic than Harden. His first step was even more explosive. Players used to give him 2-3 feet all the time, it never worked. And he was one of the most elite SG defenders ever. Harden's only advantage is that he's a better shooter, but Wade's defense outweighs Harden's stepback significantly.

Wade isn't 100% better than harden on D. But hardens step back is 100% more effective than what Wade can do scoring if it's a 1s/2s game

Hardens problem has always been laziness on defense and getting beat off ball. His on ball defense isn't terrible and Wade can't back him down. Wade will get his but harden has more ways to stop Wade than vice versa

Wade is an All-Defensive player in his prime. He's one of the best defensive SGs ever, arguably the best shotblocking guard of all time. Harden has always been a negative defender. Wade's defense is very much 100% better than Harden's. Harden is a chunky, slow-footed defender. He would never be able to stay in front of Wade, whereas Wade would have no problems defending Harden anywhere on the court. Wade could defend Harden's stepback, but Harden can't keep Wade away from the rim.

[og15]

The superlatives also go the other way for Harden's defense. There is no way Harden is stopping Wade.
It's a totally different game when there are 10 people on the court and the possibility of someone setting a pick on you, than it is going straight one-on-one with no other factors to consider.

I can definitely see Wade taking it because of many factors, including the fact that Harden gets that deer in the headlights look when things get really tight, so depending on how big of a tournament or what's on the line for the one-on-one, I could see Harden choking.

Harden is also bigger and stronger than Wade which in a one on one would be a factor as well. So yeah agree, all the more reason why this wouldn't be a close one. Obviously Hakeem is the GOAT choice in a one on one event. You might take Kareem in that. Jokic obviously. And you might have a few more pretty good big men choices. Then you get the non bigs and I think MJ, Lebron, and Harden would be the next group.

Again, Harden's game 5 on 5 doing ISO's is great, but it won't play out the way you'd imagine if it's truly one-on-one.

Watch on YouTube

If they are playing 3 dribble limit then the triple threat guys are highly advantaged. I think that's a 3 dribble limit king of the court, not unlimited dribbles 1v1.

[dhsilv2]

If they are playing 3 dribble limit then the triple threat guys are highly advantaged. I think that's a 3 dribble limit king of the court, not unlimited dribbles 1v1.

Good call and that's 100% what they're doing there.

[Shock Defeat]

WTF, Wade wasn't an elite iso player? That is insane... Wade absolutely was elite with the ball in his hands. He was practically Miami's PG with how much he had the ball in his hands. Do you honestly think he scored most of his points by "slashing of-ball"? That's makes no sense. Did you only watch him after Lebron joined the team?

Wade was much more athletic than Harden. His first step was even more explosive. Players used to give him 2-3 feet all the time, it never worked. And he was one of the most elite SG defenders ever. Harden's only advantage is that he's a better shooter, but Wade's defense outweighs Harden's stepback significantly.

Wade isn't 100% better than harden on D. But hardens step back is 100% more effective than what Wade can do scoring if it's a 1s/2s game

Hardens problem has always been laziness on defense and getting beat off ball. His on ball defense isn't terrible and Wade can't back him down. Wade will get his but harden has more ways to stop Wade than vice versa

Wade is an All-Defensive player in his prime. He's one of the best defensive SGs ever, arguably the best shotblocking guard of all time. Harden has always been a negative defender. Wade's defense is very much 100% better than Harden's. Harden is a chunky, slow-footed defender. He would never be able to stay in front of Wade, whereas Wade would have no problems defending Harden anywhere on the court. Wade could defend Harden's stepback, but Harden can't keep Wade away from the rim.

Harden was known as the defensive stopper on OKC. He has the capability but he got lazy and needed to preserve his energy defensively since he was carrying the offense by himself.