bledredwine wrote:I want to reiterate one thing-
James Harden is a top tier talent no question, but his IQ is not. If he had Steph’s or Lebron’s craftiness with the mind (and not just ball), I think that he would dominate the playoffs as well. That’s my take. This is also why I consider him similar to McGrady, who was even more talented.
Hardens reputation as a choker exceeds what he actually does in the playoffs the last two years. Sure he is up and down but like OP suggested no more than curry. Before the last couple year yeah he was a lot worse but he’s become a much better and resilient player in the post season.
2019 wcsf between warriors and rockets...
KD - 33/5/4 on 59ts%
Harden - 35/7/5/2 on 59.4 ts%
Curry - 24/5/5/1on 55 ts%
And harden came out as the “choker” even though he was the best player over the course of the series. He had the biggest scoring and playmaking load and was still the most efficient scorer. Far more efficient than curry and he scored 11ppg more.
The difference was curry had KD AND their role players played way better. Curry didn’t score at all in a half of one game and his team was still ahead at half time. That’s kinda the point of this thread, curry often has these disappearing acts but has had the teammates to cover it.
Not saying harden has never deserved criticism because he has and has had many choking moments. Just recently he really hasn’t been that bad just come up against a better team and he’s personally performed well. At the same time I’m not implying curry is a choker just that he’s inconsistent. He’s had a better career than harden personally and been a better playoff player but the tide has turned the last two years and harden is better. Curry still doesn’t cop the same criticism for the same inconsistencies though.
Edit - not sure about his iq either. I think it’s more play style than iq that’s hindered him.