Steve Nash believes James Harden is unfairly treated by the new rules

[TheProdigy]

On this subject in general, I know there are plenty of Harden haters that are happy to see him get his perceived karmic retribution. I like to see less foul calls as much as anyone else. But I prefer rule changes that nudge the game in the right direction, rather than ones that cause dramatic effects. If Harden really averages 5 or less free throws on the season, I think that's an ugly look for the league.

Harden is a big strong guard with a big first step and elite handles. If he attacks the rim, he should be picking up a healthy amount of fouls. Right now he's not attacking the rim. 12% of his FGA has come inside 3 feet (career average of 27%). Right now he's playing awkward. Not sure if there's an injury or what, but I don't think a decrease in foul calls is the only reason he's playing so bad. I haven't seen that much foul fishing from Harden over the past 2 seasons anyways (besides on the step-backs), I think the narrative on his foul drawing is bigger than the actual amount of tricks he pulls today.

The reason Harden's free throw attempts are so significantly down is because the vast majority of the fouls he drew in the past were the "unnatural" type that the NBA is trying to remove from the game.

He's playing awkward right now because defenses are playing him differently. It's alot easier to guard someone when you're not walking on eggshells thinking "I need to be careful defending him because he could jump sideways, backwards, or kick me and I get called for the foul".

[mademan]

On this subject in general, I know there are plenty of Harden haters that are happy to see him get his perceived karmic retribution. I like to see less foul calls as much as anyone else. But I prefer rule changes that nudge the game in the right direction, rather than ones that cause dramatic effects. If Harden really averages 5 or less free throws on the season, I think that's an ugly look for the league.

Harden is a big strong guard with a big first step and elite handles. If he attacks the rim, he should be picking up a healthy amount of fouls. Right now he's not attacking the rim. 12% of his FGA has come inside 3 feet (career average of 27%). Right now he's playing awkward. Not sure if there's an injury or what, but I don't think a decrease in foul calls is the only reason he's playing so bad. I haven't seen that much foul fishing from Harden over the past 2 seasons anyways (besides on the step-backs), I think the narrative on his foul drawing is bigger than the actual amount of tricks he pulls today.

Is it really tho? The philosophy behind the rule change is "make a basketball play to get a foul"; if Harden is unable to do that, that's an indictment of Harden and not close to an ugly look for the league.

[Harry Garris]

Even if it's true you can't say it. There's zero chance Harden gets any sympathy from the NBA fanbase here.

[Sultanofatl]

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[DaPessimist]

I love when Harden is like, "I feel like there's too much emphasis on the rules".

[Peregrine01]

Nash is backing his guy but he was complaining about Trae Young doing the same thing last season.

[oldshoolballer]

the days of Harden getting 20 points a game from free throws are over. The game is so much better with the new rules.

[xinxin]

Nothing to contribute here but a hearty laugh…. Haha haha haha i


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[whatisacenter]

[Ballerhogger]

Nash with terrible take . Now he has to find offense that doesn’t rely Ft

[Marrrcuss]

Well, he isnt liked. Period.

Curry still gets the calls they said would go away among many others. Harden is indeed the guy they are making an example of.

No, i don't like him but i can be honest about this. Many fans just hate who you hate and cant be unbiased about it

[Texas Chuck]

The thing that gets missed with Harden because people both don't like him and because once the NBA universe gets a narrative, they simply can't let it go no matter how exaggerated, is that the bulk of his FT's attempts came from legit fouls.

This is a strong dude with great handles and a relentless attack who is great at getting defenders off base and out of position. Yes, he didn't try and avoid the contact because a 3-pt play is better than a layup, putting your opponent in foul trouble and getting to the bonus quicker adds real value to your team.

But people see a couple highlights of Trae of Harden and they conclude every FT is like that and that just was never remotely the case. Chris Paul can make a meal of a flop but the rest of the time he's playing good hard-nosed basketball.

But you guys get that highlight, see a guy you don't like, and sink your teeth into your desired narrative like a dog on a bone.

[aliasxn]

rofl

Read on Twitter

[Marrrcuss]

The thing that gets missed with Harden because people both don't like him and because once the NBA universe gets a narrative, they simply can't let it go no matter how exaggerated, is that the bulk of his FT's attempts came from legit fouls.

This is a strong dude with great handles and a relentless attack who is great at getting defenders off base and out of position. Yes, he didn't try and avoid the contact because a 3-pt play is better than a layup, putting your opponent in foul trouble and getting to the bonus quicker adds real value to your team.

But people see a couple highlights of Trae of Harden and they conclude every FT is like that and that just was never remotely the case. Chris Paul can make a meal of a flop but the rest of the time he's playing good hard-nosed basketball.

But you guys get that highlight, see a guy you don't like, and sink your teeth into your desired narrative like a dog on a bone.

Nope!! He's skill-less and wouldnt be in the NBA if not for this theatrics.

[AbeVigodaLive]

Don't worry.

The Nets played the Bucks and 76ers on the road the first two games. Both of those teams have superstars of their own and are allowed to play a more physical style because they're "good."

Now granted, the Hornets are not in that camp, so it might be alarming. But it's also a small one-game sample.

Let's see if Harden is still struggling to get to the line after he plays the Wizards and Pistons this week. And there's four games vs. the Cavs and Magic, so that'll be a solid 100 or 120 free throws just waiting for him.

[Kobe187]

Harden has really dropped off the last couple seasons and I think it’s party due to the weight gain and loss of quickness.

[Lalouie]

i can't believe the subject line!!!!

LuproariouslyOL

harden is lucky they haven't turned it into an offensive foul yet

[CreekShow]

The thing that gets missed with Harden because people both don't like him and because once the NBA universe gets a narrative, they simply can't let it go no matter how exaggerated, is that the bulk of his FT's attempts came from legit fouls.

This is a strong dude with great handles and a relentless attack who is great at getting defenders off base and out of position. Yes, he didn't try and avoid the contact because a 3-pt play is better than a layup, putting your opponent in foul trouble and getting to the bonus quicker adds real value to your team.

But people see a couple highlights of Trae of Harden and they conclude every FT is like that and that just was never remotely the case. Chris Paul can make a meal of a flop but the rest of the time he's playing good hard-nosed basketball.

But you guys get that highlight, see a guy you don't like, and sink your teeth into your desired narrative like a dog on a bone.

This may be true for the casual NBA fan, but ppl do actually watch big games/match ups all year. I would say if you are a big enough fan to frequent a message board weve probably all seen plenty of these guys games. Averaging 10-12 ft a game is just absurd IMO.

[Tracymcgoaty]

YEEEES FINALLY. Dude has to finally play basketball. Which he can Harden is amazing. But his foulbaiting is basketball murder.

[pr0wler]

I've seen at least 3 times the defender jumped into his landing space on a 3-point attempt, not called. I feel like the refs have a hypersensitive radar now, and that any contact against James is now viewed flopping or baiting. Even normal contact that other players would get.

I'm confident the refs will adjust and we'll see him get back to 6-7 FTA per game, as he should.