A Deep and Honest Convo About James Harden's Career Decisions

We're thrilled to welcome Richard Jefferson and Tim Legler back on The Old Man and the Three this week. In this clip, they have passionate discussion with JJ about the decisions James Harden has made throughout his career, if he really is his own system, and what he needs to do to to extend his career successfully.
Subscribe to The Old Man and The Three podcast w/ JJ Redick (ESPN / First Take) and Tommy Alter KZbin channel today for more NBA analysis, player interviews and highlights.

[@im_so_zoned]

Tim Legler and Richard Jefferson are such great guests. I could listen to those two guys talk basketball all day.

[@TheMatic88]

Just put it on repeat my man. Problem solved. You're welcome!

[@guysumpthin2974]

The jump-kick-flop was disgusting

[@henryzhao4622]

This is what ESPN is supposed to be. Guys with experience plus real intelligence, talking ball. No bullshit. Edit: I’m quite aware of having to do things a consumer digs. All I’m asking for is once a week, a one hour segment of these three. Give casuals a CHANCE to stumble onto something intelligence JFC.

[@vVPrototypeVv]

They literally are all 3 ESPN employees

[@henryzhao4622]

@@vVPrototypeVv and how often do they get to talk compared to stephenA and Perkins and chiney

[@szymonklepacki6688]

@@henryzhao4622That is the curse of the TV format, where you are more rewarded for being a human caps lock button like Stephen A, spitting wild takes, cause that drives more eyeballs and commercial revenue. For more in-depth & analysis content you gotta go with podcasts (No personal hate on Stephen A - he just understands the media game better and uses it to his advantage. He also more digesteable on his pod)

[@momame8258]

You don’t wanna hear GOAT debate for the millionth time?

[@NoHandlzz]

the average sports consumer does not want to listen to this, respectfully.

[@adarious2326]

Amazing trio, 3 guys with good vibes & good conversation

[@Suave_TheArtKartel]

I agree .. This needs to be a reg. thing

[@troll-fx2zc]

Two and a half white men

[@MoeDollaCT]

@@Suave_TheArtKartel facts

[@imaratspal]

I don't agree. There's no voice from the other side criticizing Harden and looking at how his career has gone for the worse. The fact that he's always faltered in the playoffs and is definitely passed his best, yet the Clippers have to cater to him, playing worse, and he had a good situation in Philly being with Embiid. He just ups and leaves. One thing that was brought up was how he has the lowest floor out of every star player, and him being the system is the problem with how the coaches run the team (deflecting from Harden). Well, he keeps leaving to whatever situation benefits him and his style of play, expecting the coach to cater to him or else he goes to a new team, so doesn't that make him the problem?

[@isaacchapman393]

Gay

[@bobbob-cd9yl]

Man this convo was so good and refreshing from the media degeneracy of late

[@blacknetsmed]

That media degeneracy truly began with Javale McGee & TNT/Shaqtin' a Fool. Even when Javale was high level role player on championship caliber squad media were going out of their way to find ANYTHING to pick on the guy for. It's essentially a form of bullying.

[@DubboU]

@@blacknetsmed totally agree. Shaqtin' a Fool started out as light-hearted bloopers for laughs and giggles. But soon enough, it just turned into a platform for bullying from Shaq. Even the players were voicing their displeasure. I couldn't care to watch it after a while.

[@quinngerlinger7347]

Tim is the goat of nba analysts

[@newagain9964]

Corporate media and casual fan bs been amplified last several yrs due to social media/internet. Makes pro sports unbearable &toxic 👎

[@mura0]

3 ex players and not "analysts"

[@mario98730]

I’d legit watch a podcast of these 3 every week. One of the most genuine and informational convos ab hoops I ever heard.

[@GlobeNinetyNine]

For real. RJ is really good and interesting to listen to. Legler is smart AF too

[@Bluewildangel]

When we actually have genuine basketball conversations it’s way more authentic rather then just hating to hate , love to see it

[@kevind6965]

Yeah but what about from the other perspective! They mention Houston and how they wanted to rebuild… Whenever James wanted a players or coach they got it for him. When they wanted said player/coach gone, they released them or Trade.. He had an opportunity in Houston for another 2-3 years if they weren’t trying to please Harden play style which was dribble the air out the ball and if James couldn’t get a shot off. Just throw it to a 3 pt shooter hoping to make it… I love their argument but they lack the other perspective if they were in a shoe of a GM.

[@TheNickhammond]

Houston was not ever going into the luxury tax with Tillman. That team was done

[@ahmedegal6808]

Lol ur retarded they never went into the luxury tax once.. and Chris Paul’s health ruined 2018 and 2019 when harden was unguardable. Morey even said he failed harden in Houston u wrote a paragraph of straight bullshit 😭😭😭😭

[@ahmedegal6808]

And in 2020 Westbrook was hurt in the bubble nd he still made it out the first round but westbrooks inability to shoot made them play small ball and trade capela. So the lakers just let a hurt Westbrook shoot and double harden but u and Tim Legler are so smart tho 😂😭

[@EhhSenpai]

​@@kevind6965You're missing a lot of context yourself. Also who was the player coach Harden wanted (He didn't want Silas 😂) He wanted D'Antoni but both Morey and him had beef with Tilman

[@tychapman6817]

god it's so refreshing to see a grounded logical conversation about this man's career

[@melbrown2295]

It really is…and yet, Hardin STILL SUCKS. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@KDuff-2015]

Hardens most MASSIVE mistake was asking out of Brooklyn IMO. Nets we’re gonna pay Harden the full max even with his production decline. I wasn’t a “fan” of the Nets big 3 but if healthy they would have won in 2021 against Pheonix & 2022 against Golden State. The Dynamic of Harden as the primary playmaker, Kyrie as primary scorer & KD giving you 30 playing off-ball pretty much was a guaranteed 130ppg(Nets averaged 118PPG in 2021 while big 3 barley played together) -In fairness Nets never added P.J Tucker& let Jeff Green walk in 21’ which I also believe made Harden unhappy because Tucker said he thought he was going to Brooklyn but ended up in Milwaukee. Tucker only made 5.7mil & the Nets had a 6Mil Trade Exception & Nets NEEDED a defensive anchor that didn’t want to shoot.

[@TjFreely2]

Well it was a blessing in disguise for PJ Tucker he was a important piece for a championship team and has a ring to his resume while his bestfriend Harden not a champion and not getting another max

[@TheKennyGM]

people forget Harden first year in Broklyn was in talks for MVP he was elite still, the decline started the next year after he played with a grade2 hamstring and i believe he never recovered from that, and if you watch all games from the Broklyn vs Celtics series Harden was playing his best ever playoff games until he got hurt in game 1 vs Bucks

[@dusttaker]

where is the defense coming from?

[@DG-gx8pn]

@@TheKennyGMTalks for mvp where lmao

[@KDuff-2015]

@@DG-gx8pn lmao thank you Harden was never the same after he got fat to leave Houston

[@kiki42719]

Please bring RJ more, you 2 together are great

[@greatwhitesufi]

Isaiah Thomas retired at 32-33 after his Achilles tore in 94, Ewing played till his knees almost fell off at the age of 40, Dominique had a resurgence after he tore his Achilles as well. So there's always those few who seemed to just play longer than one thought

[@optimusprime028]

This show is better than First Take and Undisputed could ever be.

[@Magicstockton]

Because these guys actually did what they are talking about.

[@benyijohnson7925]

Facts 💯

[@Eiuol81853]

You're comparing apples and oranges. The First Take/Undisputed shows are not supposed to have deep analysis or conversation. It is a TV version of sports talk radio.

[@MrDArkNsXXy]

Woah. Such a hot take

[@4RILDIGITAL]

Harden's performance is indeed a 'system' and his transformation and adaptability over the years is significant. Nevertheless, as you pointed out quite eloquently, he does need to make further tweaks for the true essence of his talent to shine.

[@ManoManov]

A system of not winning a championship.

[@ThomasTheTankEngine22]

The "system" shouldn't be dropping single digits in a game

[@julianmurray1422]

Bro he is trash and doesn’t move the same as he used too its clear as day

[@Joe-96X4E]

Except against the heat and Celtics

[@mikedeck8381]

The real problem is that Harden is boring to watch.

[@TheDropInn]

Hell yes this is my dream podcast lineup in terms of NBA media. Top shelf!

[@troll-fx2zc]

I agree, more Thomas Jefferson, please

[@DakkaDakkaDakkaWaagh]

​@@troll-fx2zcyou mean Richard Jefferson 😂

[@shawtyeatemup1352]

Harden like the 3rd best SG of all time

[@troll-fx2zc]

@@shawtyeatemup1352 is steph curry an SG?

[@grafzhl]

Really liked the perspective that when you lose 5% of your edge, you inadvertently widen the circle of people who can take you on by an order of magnitude. Plays into the famous quote "I'm closer to LeBron than you are to me" by Brian Scalabrine. The NBA be stacked like that.

[@nacem360]

I've been watching basketball since the 80's and watching you 3 is a breath of fresh air. THANK U

[@BodhisativaTV]

JJ bro I just wanna say you have done an incredible job with this show. This is by far the best talk about James Harden I’ve heard, and I watch basketball debates everyday lol

[@DarkKing-vm5li]

I think this was an extremely fair conversation about him. Sometimes it feels like Legler talks too much about his negatives but Harden is a superstar with a crazy ceiling AND floor so no one is obligated to talk about the positives when the negatives become very glaring. Still I appreciate the greatness more than the negatives

[@troll-fx2zc]

Crazy thing is, Harden hasn't even hit his prime yet.

[@Justsegarra]

@@troll-fx2zcthat came and went, buddy

[@coffeine1924]

I think there's a weird culture in the west to put down people who do amazing things with little slight comments and assumptions. James Harden is a top 10 player of his generation being able to achieve that is insane. Yet even when your having an 'honest' conversation about him mostly all of it is about how in a few key games he choked. Like how about having his team be competitive every year in the west. How about being considered for MVP every year for 5 or 6 years JJ, Richard and Tim never carried a franchise to the playoffs but they say cause James Harden has 'talent' that he should be held to a higher standard than they hold themselves. In my opinion as soon as people become successful in sports they want to hold them to these completely unrealistic expectations by just constantly comparing them to higher and higher standards and justify it by just simply saying because he has more 'talent' than me. When in reality I think people are just looking for ways to build themselves up by tearing people down.

[@JuNiOrWaDeNmIaMi]

Damn the way RJ broke it down was crazy though. I always respected Houston James…dude was scoring 35+ in his sleep…but I didn’t realize in the big picture his effect on the last 2 teams. Gotta respect it. The media though will highlight the down moments of Harden so 🤷🏾‍♂️. (But as a Heat fan, I know better to listen to the media in the first place)…but JJ a real one

[@victorufondu2988]

The push back that I'll make on that though is that, very few have ever doubted James Harden and him being a system when it comes to the regular season. It's the playoff, when it really counts that the criticism becomes warranted. You can say what you want about the Milwaukee system and the hamstring but the truth of the matter is if he had take that offseason seriously maybe that injury doesn't happen and all in all they are still hypothetical situations. We don't know for sure that they win if he's healthy. Yes he led the league in assists and helped Embiid win the mvp, but what happened to all that once the playoffs started. If you take out the 2 great games he had in the playoffs against boston he average 15ppg on under 30% shooting form 3 and under 40% shooting from the field in the entire playoffs. We have never seen a caliber guy like him have the dropoff he has come playoff time, time and time again, and it always seems conducive to the so called system he plays in.

[@kb5509]

All of those positives have been highlighted by the media. It doesn't mean all of the massive negatives aren't also true.

[@thebigmanufacturer]

@@victorufondu2988in Houston he played that way by necessity. Morey surrounded him with shooters and defense, with like one other guy on the whole roster who can actually get a bucket on NBA playoff defense (Eric Gordon, then CP3, then Russ). Now, all you gotta do is commit everything to the Harden pnr because his teammates cant effectively attack closeouts or create much of anything off the catch if its not a catch and shoot jumpshot. Harden has always brought his teams above prior expectations. Yall just let yourself get caught up in the moment, but basically every season his teams either do more than they were expected or they have bad injury luck. Sometimes both happen at the same time. His problem is that he gets the icarus syndrome where he flies too high, and creates heightened expectations that are BOUND to lead to that fall.

[@thebigmanufacturer]

@@victorufondu2988like, we compare him to Steph Curry, Steph’s teams have won whole playoff series WITHOUT him. Hes never had to be in a situation where losing with an inferior roster to the opponent would actually harm his legacy. Yall just make the assumption that hed perform in those situations but the fact is hes never even had to.

[@stuntmandaniels3323]

@@thebigmanufacturerty I’ve been saying this… an take it a step farther … they shoot just as good as harden(above avg).. I mean ariza missed 12 open 3s… an ppl wonder y they were open… it’s a reason why Tucker is in the corner only..

[@emmanuelmoses7249]

Harden leaving Philly made no sense from a basketball standpoint. In Philly he was the PG, main facilitator. Playing alongside a dominant Big, and they played off of each other very very well. Now you demand a trade to LA, where there's 3 other ball dominant players, and no elite Pick and Roll partner for Harden to feed off of. It's a bad fit.

[@haroldjayledda5566]

the problem is between harden and GM morey... the team is good

[@DeyonOfficial]

@@haroldjayledda5566 he only had a problem with him becus Morey wasn’t giving him 200million when he did not deserve it after that playoff series. That would’ve been robbery! And he’s only getting worse. Not only would the contract hurt the team but it would’ve led Embiid into leaving becus harden would fall off becus of age like he’s doing now. No depth and a declining harden. WE DONT WIN

[@ShawnRakar]

@@DeyonOfficialthat’s the absolute truth

[@emmanuelmoses7249]

@@haroldjayledda5566 Sure. But Harden should've thought about the basketball aspect. Yeah they aren't willing to give him 200M. But I'm sure he would've gotten a somewhat lengthy contract from Philly..

[@TheNickhammond]

Same thing will happen though. Harden can’t win the games to push them over. He’s not that guy. Embiid is not either which is the bigger problem.

[@MundaneFailure]

Love the JJ+RJ combo when calling games, they’re great here too and Tim is awesome as always

[@MrPeanutButter907]

man, it's real easy to ignore the bs around me when we are spoiled with such good, consistent NBA content, first thing I type into youtube every day is JJ

[@93vibezz]

Not me

[@k_hack9441]

JJ is ok but he is afraid to say anything real.

[@bringinthedope5929]

​@@k_hack9441why you say that? Because he is friends with players?

[@shawnvogt888]

Huge fan of RJ, JJ, and Tim. I usually don't bother watching NBA analysis unless one of them is involved. I enjoyed watching them play, and I'm really glad to see them carrying on as top notch analysts.

[@august6281]

this line up is the balance of Ball and Humor. I hope they will make it a regular or a monthly thing.

[@randalljones849]

JJ and Legler are great together JJ and Richardson have always been great these 3 is just amazing so much basketball knowledge in 1 room I could watch these 3 all day!

[@thewayofthebeard3680]

they talked about some of the unfair criticism which many haven't mentioned but they completely ignored a lot of the legit negative! like showing up overweight in Houston, or quitting, or publicly calling his GM a liar, making it know he was going back to Houston & then when they sign FVV instead... if I just listened this and didn't know anything else I'd think Harden was a misunderstood professional never-quit-and-disappear-in-the-playoffs superstar.

[@3self]

Exactly!!! their biases are showing. That’s the only issue I have with player podcast, they have personal relationships with these players, therefore they don’t go as hard or ignore certain things

[@carter5599]

And maybe thats just what he is, and little idiots like you think you know better about basketball than 3 people who actually have played in the NBA before. You blindly listen to the media, form your own opinions dumba$$ b1tch boy

[@carter5599]

⁠@@3self^^^ you too pu$$y boy… little dumba$$ really thinks that media who creates storylines to please ret@rd fans like you, whove never played, should be trusted as better voices than ex-players… embarrassing for you buddy

[@malcolmhodnett8874]

JJ always does this cuz he doesn’t want players to stop talking to him.

[@doublem4107]

Need these 3 together more often on here

[@ZAP1019]

This was one of my favorite hoops conversations having these three break things down

[@douglasguzman2622]

Amazing commentary! I hope JJ brings them back more.

[@melodymaker135]

I love JJ, and his generous take on Harden’s team movements at around 5:00 of the video sounds ok on the surface… but if something “happens to you” in three straight stops, maybe it’s not “happening to” you…

[@CanditoTrainingHQ]

JJ is too favorable to players in general. His Ben Simmons interview was a pathetic softball. Unfortunately i think he consciously chooses that lane and then fits things to the narrative. Likely easier to get guests on in the future.

[@masonharkness6437]

This was great to watch, y’all brought up different points and matters throughout the conversation and they were all on point. Agree with RJ it’s been a shitty start so far but they still have enough time and talent to turn it around

[@julianbrown-priceman8163]

I definitely could get used to y’all three choppin it up. Love it gents!

[@yuanzhang8690]

This made it to the trending page, impressive work JJ!

[@romeobodeodo]

JJ is the best, and a podcast with 2 of the other best analysts is superb. 👍

[@k_hack9441]

He’s a good announcer, avg podcaster. He can’t bring himself to be honestly critical of players.

[@bobluchetta-stendel3863]

Richard wearing his own NBA Jam shirt with Channing Frye is a new level of ICONIC

[@ChidOki]

Wow I didn’t even notice til I saw your comment. That is awesome haha

[@Suave_TheArtKartel]

A sample size of these basketball minds is damn near perfect!! JJ make this a regular thing please!!

[@MastaShake99]

JJ blending in with the lights is a great touch. Great conversation fellas!

[@clsupreme7408]

JJ is dope @ what he does and I was a fan of his as a player but he is a massive “player apologist”. I can’t recall him ever holding players accountable 4 their own actions, poor attitudes and decisions. That’s the problem with the “new media”. There’s zero pushback. There needs 2 be more objectivity.

[@victorufondu2988]

You're completely 100% right.

[@brianogrady3185]

JJ hasn’t found a player or their actions yet that he can’t try to excuse or explain away.

[@Isaac-nm2pv]

You’re looking at it wrong. Harden has already been bashed on every sports website in the country and in the world (that talk about NBA basketball) All JJ is doing is now giving a DIFFERENT perspective. I’m sure he doesn’t disagree with all the criticism that has been levelled against Harden which you can tell, but he’s basically going “here’s amother side to this” which is very much needed in this situation imo.

[@clsupreme7408]

@@Isaac-nm2pv I’m looking @ it realistically. How coincidental that the way he “looks @ it” is always and I mean ALWAYS in favor of the player. But don’t believe me; do ur research

[@914Rocky]

Totally 100% agree.

[@HimmyBucks]

8 minutes in and I love this! Thank yall so much for adding context to James. This is what I’ve been saying as a fan of his. He’s not perfect but the hate bandwagon has been to much like this man isn’t greatness personified!

[@slimjim665]

This trio of analysts is GOATed when it comes to in depth analysis layered with actual experience having been on the NBA floor as great players.

[@hopenyavor5514]

Great hoops talk here guys!! We need more of this!! 💯

[@lampard9512]

The craziest part is after 3 wining in a row, not a single media talked about clippers.. Not a single one.. Except you.. Thank you, and please addressed about this next, why they talked about clippers when they lose this season..

[@EhhSenpai]

This

[@trav8787]

They beat the rockets and the spurs twice. That doesn't deserve any media attention. They are expected to go on many winning streaks throughout the season. Nothing to report.

[@stuntmandaniels3323]

@@trav8787because if they lost it would be a big issue… Houston was on a 6 game win streak.. I mean the spurs record was similar…

[@Dr.Deagle.]

I'm thankful room of great basketball analysts ❤

[@3030hp]

damn, what a great convo and great energy w/ you 3 guys.

[@jodyprestigiacomojr8901]

For about 4 or 5 years straight, Harden was the most exciting player to watch play in the nba. He's one of the greatest scorers ever. People need to stop the hate

[@sixthorder]

I'll always have to respect Harden, because his team was the only team to push the healthy KD warriors. Every other team was crushed and complaining that it was unfair

[@Rushx415]

They made that team just to beat the dubs and still couldn’t

[@BuMPiHD]

@@Rushx415if not for 0-27 they woulda done it. 3-27 (still TERRIBLE) they had won

[@BuMPiHD]

You can argue 3’s are unreliable, and i agree. Still horrible. The Kd warriors were gay asf, i’ll never forgive KD for that, ruined the league. I love KD now tho. -Sixers fan

[@BuMPiHD]

The 0-27 was before KD warriors even, i think. Harden should have won 1 tho.

[@compactdisk2753]

Tbf, the spurs had a good chance of doing it until Kawhi got injured

[@d1pz9]

The biggest problem with Harden is how he's behaving off the ball. Dude is completely stationary when he doesn't have the ball in his hands and often times get ls frustrated for something and decides to not put effort in transitioning to defense. You can't be the "system" if it all starts and ends with you. That's why Kobe predicted James' playstyle wouldn't get him far

[@stuntmandaniels3323]

You forgot the other part of what Kobe said.. it’s out of necessity… Kobe went through same thing because your team is trash… it’s not his fault ppl get injured or don’t get better…when your only teammates can only do one thing..an he gotta do everything (harden) of course u not gonna win

[@ryanspivey2453]

@@stuntmandaniels3323I’m no Kobe fan but he didn’t have and sustain the moody emo teenager vibes that are basically Harden’s default setting when things aren’t perfect or even flowing through him. Nobody questioned Kobe’s work ethic. He never showed up overweight. Kobe character was that he always led. Harden’s character is that he’s always fled.

[@stuntmandaniels3323]

⁠@@ryanspivey2453but no one question harden work ethic… no 1 says anything bad as a teammate.. he has his own issues…

[@UZiED]

This is a fire trio. Any place I can find the full recording of these 3's convo?

[@josh0253]

The amount of eggshells jj walks on is insane.

[@traelmer5262]

This why players pod get me heated sometimes. 1 yes we all know what James was saying. Him saying that was shifting blame not taking accountability When ppl bring up him taking less money bro that was his decision to take less money and bring in his friends Also let’s not forget how he acted to get out of these places

[@Chickenpesto2468]

Exaclty love jj but he can be a little soft with players but then with refs or guys like Stephen a he has no problem calling them out

[@JasenMinus]

Thank you, this whole thing just screamed NBA taking up for NBA. Saying he's the system NOW is not realizing he ain't the same he used to be. Have some humility. Something.

[@memoriesofold9591]

This is by far the best NBA analysis I've heard in my entire life.

[@guyoverthere3098]

What a great conversation. I want more

[@Itscoacho]

One thing JJ gonna always do, is let's his peers off the hook all the time

[@3self]

FR!

[@ManuSandhu]

We need more RJ on this podcast.

[@brutzki6139]

Great content JJ, Thank you from Indonesia

[@davidfleming1012]

Interesting take.. love RJ and JJ’s take. Just never seen a dude match his shirt with his lamp shades.

[@aking2330]

His skill set to me would have been perfect for the Clippers second unit. He would give points off the bench and would help get that second unit going.

[@GMQuay]

The reason you bring Harden in is to alleviate some of the things Kawhi and PG do as far as playmaking. Harden makes their job easier by finding them in their spots. Why would he come off the bench?

[@goodymob9638]

​@@GMQuayWRONG. Did you see how they were playing before he got there with Russ running the point, they were getting out and running. He's slowed their offense down with his slow decision making, he's been a -28 since he got there. He should be coming off the bench, with Mann in the starting lineup. Mann is a better defender, and James is lazy on defense and he doesn't block out.

[@goodymob9638]

Exactly

[@GMQuay]

@@goodymob9638 you don’t bring harden off the bench he provides too much playmaking and scoring bro and he’s way more efficient than Westbrook and who cares if their pace has slowed down, that might actually fit them better. Just wait til they start clicking for real.

[@ahmedegal6808]

@@goodymob9638lol westbrick and harden are on 2 different levels they brought harden to upgrade from westbrick 😂😂😂 and ur right he looked decent against the blazers spurs and jazz 😂😂

[@iwishiwasthomasshelby]

Say what you want about Harden, but he put a lot of young girls through college.

[@At76812]

What a gentleman

[@Fritz_86]

Facts

[@henryzhao4622]

Please do a weekly show with this trio.

[@calvinthompson888]

Awesome pod, need you 3 more pls JJ

[@danielfahimislam3166]

This "new" Harden is hella confusing. People think he's just declined as a player and slowed down, but that's not even remotely close to the reason why he's scoring less.. The reason is him giving up on shots, refusing to shoot the ball and passing way too often compared to his Houston version. It's baffling really why he keeps passing the ball so much when he's still CLEARLY capable of scoring 25-30 a night.

[@L4-295]

Lmao you are as delusional as he seems to be

[@YouDaMANRAJ]

Because the teams he has been have other fantastic scorers. Hes playing more like a true point guard

[@TheNickhammond]

He is trying to get the players in a scoring rhythm and find their spots.

[@bestlexluthor7596]

Legler is one of the best. Doesn’t let his emotions get into it.

[@EhhSenpai]

He hates Harden tho

[@isaiahcoleman7709]

Love this trio. keep it up fellas!

[@protector_of_the_realms]

If these 3 get their own show or even just do podcasting together, it might be my favourite go to place for talking basketball. Atm it’s First things first because the chemistry between Wildes, Brou and Nick is next level insane and unmatched by anybody but these guys might be able to rival that and they got more pro knowledge obviously haha

[@quinceygill4238]

I need these three on the podcast everyday

[@abepassman]

Shout out Mavs announcer for that amazing rant

[@codg3484]

love you JJ, great convo with RJ and the other dude

[@Jeff-cb2jd]

This is the way media should be, enjoy a healthy conversation without bashing anybody. Love it guys.

[@Macgargan24]

When the Clippers get hot, the narrative will change.

[@Haaaveeyy]

You can’t expect people to like him after he’s left city after city at this point. Respect! Yeah his talent demands that, but not being a fan of the guy is justified. Most fans don’t care about the individual situations he might’ve experienced. All fans see is James moving from squad to squad when things don’t go their way.

[@cjwrench07]

But, if he wins a ring watch the loudest of haters disappear or suddenly be ignored. Larry Bird was hated during his career for the public pouting, the ignoring of the racist chanting in Boston; and especially threatening to go sign with the Knicks as the Celtics weren’t allowed to break the salary cap rules to give the largest contract ever. The same with MJ when the Bulls were shopping him around and he almost went to Philly (Not for Barkley!); because he was seen as just a scorer who wouldn’t sacrifice his own stats to win. The same in 1993 for MJ, when he just so happened to “retire” *during the preseason,* right after the NBA, & later also the FBI, were openly investigating his hidden illegal gambling. That again was swept under the rug when they won again. Those, and worse junk from other superstars to role-players, are all non issues today when people talk about their careers. If they have the rings on their fingers. Rings erase all failings in time.

[@doublez_]

Hasn’t kd done that

[@EhhSenpai]

A lot of have players have jumped team and forced the way in similar or worst ways than Harden. But the media never highlights that

[@Haaaveeyy]

@@doublez_ left Okc in FA. Left GSW in FA. Requested trade from Brooklyn. How is that like Harden?

[@Haaaveeyy]

@@EhhSenpai name me another player that has requested trades from 3 separate franchises?

[@zappa3837]

More of this, please!

[@richarddavenport6756]

These guys have perfect chemistry. I love it

[@DawryMike]

It's not necessarily his performance, which has also diminished, its mentality. James Harden has now established himself as a player who will quit on his team if things don't go his way. For an allegedly "max" player this is a HUGE liability, maybe even worse than being injury prone because it can't be controlled for.

[@Firefenex1996]

"Quit" is a funny word. Is he willing to leave a situation he doesn't like? Definetly yes. Houston wants to rebuild, he is leaving. Nets have kyrie covid issues and the nets aren't want he envisions, he left. Philly told him to take less money so they can get help and in the second round of playoffs he is having to drop 40 while embiid has back issues to then not give him the under the table max guarantee he was told about? Time to leave. As for bad playoff performance. Playoffs are different, they allow more contact and james is a free throw player. Shots aren't falling and he is mentally not there to hit the stepback 3s he had in regular season. I dont think he gets to round 2 and decides I'm gunna quit and brick 20 our of 22 shots tonight.

[@willpower3317]

What’s it called when teams trade star players? Is that an owner “quitting” on that player? It’s not a marriage, it’s business.

[@kraw3026]

The only situation James quit on was Houston and simple because they were going to rebuild

[@kraw3026]

The only situation James quit on was Houston and simple because they were going to rebuild

[@TheNickhammond]

Gianni’s was about to quit. Durant and Kyrie have quit multiple times but you don’t talk about it.

[@RazorTooths]

The only period I felt bad for him was his Nets tenure cause' most of the problems weren't his, it was Covid, Kyrie shenanigans, and injuries. In other places, he's also at fault. Houston gave him everything, people tend to gloss over this for some reason. They got D'Antoni, they got him CP3, Dwight Howard, Westbrook, and in the end he didn't do jack in terms of championships. Even Kobe said his style of play won't translate to championships and he was proven correct. Was he unlucky because his team existed coincidentally with the GSW dynasty? Sure, but MVPs aside, he still didn't bring the city a title. At Philly, both sides were definitely at fault. Sixers were wrong for promising to pay him when they eventually didn't, but then again it's a hard decision to pay an aging and declining dude loads of money when you already got Embiid and potentially big money for Maxey coming anyways, not to mention that with the exception of the two good games he carried Philly, he kinda stunk the rest of it. Now dude goes and says this type of stuff on a brand new team, his 4th in like 4-6 years? Westbrook had to be the guy sacrificing in order for the team to be able to fit more.

[@buddbrown6858]

Yeah I'll never let go of the Houston situation where he shot so poorly in that last WCF game without CP3 and then didn't get along with CP3 so they didn't even run it back. Some of this is in him

[@unknownrage7691]

Why do You casual act like his teams were on the level of the warriors , spurs, lakers ? He was playing with ROLE PLAYERS FOR THE MAJORITY OF HIS TEAM IN HOUSTON. PLAYERS THAT WERE OUT THE LEAGE THE NEXT SEASON. Dwight Howard was good for one season and that was it. Cp3 was SEMI WASHED / injured prone in Houston especially in 2019.

[@smallcheddar3012]

@@unknownrage7691bro stop warriors is a fair point absolutely no one was arguing that but spurs, lakers?

[@unknownrage7691]

@@smallcheddar3012 the spurs were a 67-15 win team . The laker were the first seed with the best defense with LEBRON JAMES and ad . You think James harden and westbrick with role players and no center was going to beat the lakers. Are you serious? Your a casual

[@asnmdnss]

Westbrook is probably doing himself a favor, he gets more shots with the second unit. It was too obvious, the coach would have made that decision anyways

[@user-uf5ui7dw3u]

All three of these guys played and think about the game deeply such a fan of their thoughts

[@carnage3208]

This was refreshing as hell, they actually had a real honest conversation, not trying to create narratives. Its literally night and day compared to ESPN lol

[@datBloo]

At some point we have to also hold James Harden accountable...

[@him37404]

What u mean , every player ain’t gonna win a ship , it’s a team sport

[@datBloo]

@@him37404 I’m not talking about him losing… I’m talking about how he handled past situations with teams. Showing up fat to training camp etc.

[@richardansah5283]

Accountable for what?

[@datBloo]

@@richardansah5283 it’s acceptable to show up to training camp overweight for the rockets? He also said he wasn’t in game shape this year, whose fault is that? Others work in the off season and condition themselves so they are ready for the season and training camp

[@him37404]

@@datBloo dudes a former mvp, are we questioning his effort and dedication to the game . The same player whose a ten time all star, 6 time all Nba ,3 x nba scoring champion , 2 time assist leader ?? Bro what have u done in your life !?? I think its time you hold ur self accountable, ur the one underachieving

[@razor6855]

"IT was Golden State or LeBron..." that sumed why lebron lost so many finals..

[@Elendil2077]

Tim, JJ and RJ.. my pleasure, guys 💪💪💪💪💪

[@lotto7720]

This is going to be a great episode

[@danielmaia3559]

Real irony is that we employees can change jobs every other year looking selfishly for a better option but athletes cannot 😅

[@princeobi1119]

Umm employees aren’t signing contracts demanding they be somewhere for a certain period of time…

[@EhhSenpai]

​@@princeobi1119thats literally most employment/contractor contracts. What are you talking about lol

[@princeobi1119]

@@EhhSenpai In the United States? Not true at all lol. No one signs two year contracts to work at McDonalds or Macy’s. If you’re signing contracts with time periods attach then you can’t leave and go somewhere else in the same industry without consequences. Either way the original poster is wrong. What James has been doing isn’t like what average employees do

[@EhhSenpai]

@@princeobi1119 respectfully you're incorrect. You seem to be unfamiliar with the various types of employment contracts in the US. What I am discussing is called 'fixed-term employment'. It is a contract in which a company or an enterprise hires an employee for a specific period of time. In most case it is for a year (or more) but can be renewed after the term expires depending on the requirement. In a fixed-term employment, the employee is not on the payroll of the company but as with most contracts it is at will employment (unless otherwise stated).

[@princeobi1119]

@@EhhSenpai “Fixed term employment” is not the majority or even average type of employment in the US. So OP saying “we can change employment selfishly” is referring to the average employee that can quit at any time and go work elsewhere with no repercussions. “Fixed term” employees will have some type of consequence (monetary or can’t work with competition) if they leave before their term is over. Why even focus on this over the fact that James signs contracts then throws tantrums when he wants to leave mid contract? People call him selfish for signing a contract, not fulfilling it before asking for a trade, and tanking/throwing tantrums on his way out to put pressure on teams to give him his way faster. Messing up team chemistry in the process. And that’s the issue. A McDonalds employee

[@redcee5247]

The media tries their hardest to tear James Harden down. James Harden is a phenomenal basketball player and an asset to any team that he’s on, he may not be the greatest in the postseason but he will get you to the postseason

[@gregrizzo8054]

Blaming "the media" for Harden's inability to win when it matters most is lame. Getting to the postseason in the NBA has zero merit. With the new playoff format 20 out of 30 teams make it to the post season. Harden has zero interest in winning titles, he just wants to get paid and party.

[@gregrizzo8054]

The Clippers adding both Harden and Westbrook together assures them of one thing, they will never win anything.

[@Tiazz.]

What is the point of bring a team to the playoffs if he can’t help the team in the playoffs 🤣

[@judohunter1]

Lol yes it’s the media’s fault when he has choked and made teams give up key assets at a whim. I swear some stars need fanboys to be a publicist for how they try to spin a narrative.

[@eduardonarvaez2086]

this was great, a good conversation out of the clowning others are doing

[@johnnythunders968]

Any time a JJ video has “deep and honest” in the title, I’m all in

[@starkk19]

The thing with James Harden is, it was never a doubt that he'll be able to make a team cruise through the regular season and have fantastic offensive numbers. It's the playoffs where the "James Harden system" fails. Kobe himself said it, you can't win a chip with that style of play. Yes, they did get close in the 2018 playoffs, but that's the most successful playoff run that he's had as the main option. Not to mention, there are some games that he seems to tune out and just doesn't give a damn. That closing game against the Spurs where he was clearly checked out before the game even started. Game 6 and 7 of the Celtics series was abysmal too. So these regular season stats don't mean a thing to me if he can't translate it to the playoffs. Because the playoffs are different. In the regular season, teams can barely gameplan for you. The playoffs when you're facing the best of the best, and the teams can zone in on how to stop you, he just struggles or tunes out most of the time.

[@willdean-stobie5730]

It's not just the the issues with the system. Guys like Kobe won because of their dedication as well as their skills. They were working on their craft, keeping their bodies right, etc. Whereas Harden has all the talent in the world but didn't do those things anywhere near the same level. That matters. Nevermind his complete lack of effort on defence as his default on that side of the ball. Prime examples. Both times he has asked out it has led to him being out of shape when he joins his new team.

[@haroldjayledda5566]

lol houston harden can beat all teams except GSW

[@StayTru101]

Harden has been the most unluckiest nba players ever. He will get a ring. Everything you said is valid but lacks context. He’s suppose to have more MVPS, more ASG nominations and all nba as well. The media has played a major part since 2015 in demeaning and scrutinizing his name. But I’m not mad at your point

[@itsDEEZY]

Kobe didn't say it like that man, why do people misuse that quote? Kobe said that Harden wouldn't be able to sustain scoring 40 ppg like he was for that month in 2019 when CP3, EG, and Capela were injured. Which is obvious. Guys like Luka or Jokic couldn't even get passed the Andrew Wiggins Warriors without just one of their costars; the conversation Kobe was having was about beating the KEVIN DURANT Warriors without most of his starting lineup. Harden has a ton of great playoff moments. He just also has some bad ones that people focus on because he's never had the team that can carry him through them. Steph Curry was god awful in that 2019 series, for instance, but he had Kevin Durant averaging 35 ppg the entire series. When Harden had bad games, who was averaging 35 ppg for him?

[@viliusvaisvila4510]

I don't remember a single series vs any team where Harden played from minute 1 till last minute and people objectively couldn't tell anything wrong/bad/critique about him. Why Harden can have 20-30 consecutive flawless games in regular season and why Harden can't have 4-7 consecutive flawless games in playoffs?

[@kevinhinds6850]

We’ll think about James Harden’s career for 20 minutes but we won’t consider our own careers at all 😢

[@kevinhinds6850]

@DiceGame912 You bring up our careers and the dice man gets mad go figure

[@StayTru101]

@DiceGame912nah it’s true people wake and scrutinize harden first thing. With no facts or context. It’s lame

[@user-rn9co7jc4t]

10:51 We all partied ~ JJ Reddick 😂😂😂😂

[@wamba78]

great conversation

[@domoeast08]

Great content guys

[@beewirks]

this was great..unbiased and just a really good watch

[@JohnSanders620]

Damn this was such a great video

[@brodyjames4126]

I love this freaking podcast

[@victorm.mendezmedina9674]

Great discussion👌

[@dafryguy7150]

Man, its INSANE how perfectly predicted this analysis of Harden and the Clippers was. Within a week of this coming out, the Clippers started their amazing run that they're still on now.

[@lugortube]

Long form, thoughtful analysis is the future.

[@therealtay614]

W video please keep this type of content up

[@williestyle35]

Still amazing to have JJ Redick and Tim Legler taking hoops, here! Both are top 20 in career 3 point percentage (Legs is 8th at .4312 (5th when he retired), JJ is 18th at .4145), and Richard Jefferson is no slouch (respectable, at .376)! RJ is spot on about James Harden "adjusting" his game, because RJ came into the league as a high flaying "athlete" and had to really work on developing a reliable 3 point shot. More shows like this, please.

[@williestyle35]

( starting ~ 17:07 )

[@markohrga7427]

What a cast! Bravo

[@menglongzzz]

Where is the full episode of there 3! The best trio so far❤❤

[@rickholladay4128]

Great convo

[@judithpierre3925]

Such a rich discussion.❤🎉