Kobe Bryant Was TOTALLY Right About James Harden, BUT No One Listened.

Kobe Bryant was right about James Harden but no one listened..The LA Clippers trade that brought James Harden and PJ Tucker to LA, has opened up the opportunity for Tyrese Maxey. But does this James Harden trade affect his legacy. Kobe Bryant was right about James Harden and his style of play, Harden 1 v1 which now makes things worse playing alongside 3 other Hall Of Famers in Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George. Only time will tell if it all works out for this LA Clippers trade. So far, Kobe Bryant was right about James Harden.
#nba #jamesharden #laclippers #russellwestbrook
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[@bipolarminddroppings]

"If a stat says you can only do this if you're Michael Jordan, you should avoid doing it" has to be the biggest understatement in Basketball history.

[@davidschultz2198]

Michael wasn't super ball dominant anyway. He would take over in the second half. In the first half he tried to get his other guys going

[@MultiBreezyb]

@@davidschultz2198underrated comment💯

[@gorcsauce696]

Shooting guard his team was well built around him lol for 90s

[@ariesballesteros5881]

Difference is MJ had a two point weapon fade away jumper and Harden relies on the long ball. Mid range is more accurate than a 3pt shot if your not Curry @@davidschultz2198

[@GaussGodden]

​@@gorcsauce696jordan was very good off the ball playing.. like how curry is.. harden cannot do that

[@saxyrep1]

To this day, I'm still baffled by Kobe's extensive encyclopedic knowledge of the game. We lost so much when he passed. 😢 Edit: I never thought there'd be so many sad bitter mf's in this comment section on a non-controversial subject. I'd tell you to use your energy for sthg positive but this ship has sailed for you To the others, Thanks for the appreciation and don't let anyone tell you who you should be inspired or moved by. Peace!

[@darealest6399]

No we ddnt

[@NeverGoFullRetard415]

Y'all people are so goofy. It's a damn game. What did we lose? What did Kobe do for Mankind? Smh.. grow up

[@kilgoretrout3904]

@@NeverGoFullRetard415 did more than you and all of your ancestors combined but yeah...

[@avalon5109]

I would’ve liked this comment, but there’s 81 likes at the time I’m writing this comment 😢 leaving it as is

[@mlg2781]

@@NeverGoFullRetard415 opportunities for less fortunate, sports programs for kids, charity foundation, ambassador for women's sports...... Not saying he is perfect, but to say he did nothing?......

[@edwells4769]

The loss of Kobe can't be understated. He was one of the most intelligent basketball players I recall hearing. I miss that dude, although despising the Lakers.

[@marksines1246]

nahh he stil cost them the ring in 2004, just wanting that finals MVP forgetting he had shaq to dump the ball to😂😂😂

[@vk3638]

Bron better + not a rapist

[@lilpoohfromdaO]

@@vk3638bro what

[@liarzdice]

Strongest work ethic too

[@TheAlexJimenez]

Since when? When he was alive, everybody thought he was an asshole, including his own teammates. He dies and now all of a sudden he some saint that should be knighted or something. If he was so intelligent with the basketball, why didn’t you ever pass it instead of shooting over three guys? He was one of the most inefficient players of all time, but since he made a flashy bucket once in a while that gets overlooked?

[@grimmnist]

Another example of Kobe contributing despite sometimes being too ball dominant was game 7 of the 2010 finals against the Celtics. The game was a defensive grind and Kobe shot terribly but he fought for 15 rebounds and found ways to contribute while his teammates led a comeback. That's what a superstar needs to be able to do in the playoffs, because it's hard to beat good teams that strategize against you.

[@sidepriest]

💯

[@TheEastside661]

I remember watching that game like it was yesterday, that game was a defensive slug match and stressful as f-- to watch as a devout Lakers fan.😂

[@BibleBreakout]

He scored the final 10 points in the 4th quarter to put it away as well

[@MylotheZooLovingScientist]

@BibleBreakout-Not at all trying to discredit Kobe, but he only scored 2 of the last 9 in Game 7. Watching it back over, I see a putback by Gasol, the big three from Artest (Kobe assisted), 2 FTs by Kobe, then 2 FTs by Sasha Vujecic as their last 9 points.

[@armen_ar323]

@@BibleBreakout Ron Artest said hold my beer. Do you even watch basketball?

[@johnpabelloren741]

Kobe has said alot after his retirement, for his very short time after retirement he told Ben Simmons he will regret not learning to shoot properly and he said this to Harden. Harden is now nearing past his prime and Ben Simmons is far from being an alltstar.

[@iamtheonlywilly]

I seriously don’t know why Ben is still in the NBA. I think he posts those workout videos as scheme to make his team keep him around

[@dial3ctric327]

Agree with all of what both y'all be saying here, just here to remind whoever lurking that Ben Simmons was a Starting All-Star before the playoff meltdown.

[@iamtheonlywilly]

@@dial3ctric327 true…but that’s water under the bridge now.

[@devbrooks9988]

Harden isn’t nearing past his prime he’s been out of his prime for 3 years now

[@aleksandarcvetkovic5436]

​@@devbrooks9988 How can he be out of prime with being best assistant in league last season? Plus, he switched from top scorer to top assistant. I don't know any player doing that.

[@Qichar]

Kobe is not talking "Rocket" science here. He's saying that they relied too heavily on Harden for offense which limited ball movement and allowed the defense to focus in one direction without having to constantly have their heads on a swivel. If you've ever played defense in basketball, you know that it basically comes down to keeping the one you're defending in front of you. Once the ball gets behind you, either because you've been beat or the ball was passed, it's over. Playing against Harden is much easier because you can cut off angles, rely on the ball to remain stagnant. It's OK if Harden scores 40+ points so long as you win the game. And as an added bonus, the rest of Harden's team becomes a lot less effective because they get used to just standing around in a static manner on offense. It's win-win if the ball is in Harden's hands most of the time.

[@aleekers8096]

Thanks for a spark notes version of the video idk why u took the time to type allat

[@PremiumRaizo]

It's also because good ball movement often creates easy shot attempts: open dunks, lay ups, open shots. Even if you only get a few (3 to 5) easy shots per game via good passing, that still gives you a 6-10 point advantage over the stagnent team.

[@ijustyap]

@@aleekers8096what do you think a comment section is for lmfao

[@aleekers8096]

@@ijustyap discuss topics about the video. Not just completely cc Atleast an entire 6m dialogue straight out the video 😭 bro was retyping the closed captions as they came on the screen

[@kaliduncanel3356]

​@@aleekers8096so at what point did you decide that you were wasting time reading the comment?

[@princellasmith7562]

The amount of things that Kobe Bryant was right about is crazy. There are so many clips of him breaking down basketball or speaking about a specific player that have turned out to be absolutely correct. He was absolutely correct on Russell Westbrook, Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Ben Simmons, James Harden, and others.

[@zxcvb3772]

Kobe was a visionary, he had incredible foresight on things he's knowledgeable about, and he was constantly learning and absorbing knowledge. He also talked about the AAU program and how it doesn't help young athletes unlock their potential, as well as the international players taking over the NBA. Every time he spoke on a topic, I just listen.

[@abel6298]

Read your bible! (KJV, preferably) ♥‎‎ ‎ ‎

[@sec0ndton0ne408]

You forgot Giannis especially

[@ChineseKiwi]

the European player all round skill dominance in the NBA right now due to better player development when younger - Kobe called it a decade ago and once again, all the American b ball fans ignored him and thought they knew better than a legend who grew up in both

[@princellasmith7562]

@@zxcvb3772 facts! I agree with him about AAU ball. I don't think it helps young athletes. My college basketball coach felt the same way. Glad Kobe said these things on video before he passed.

[@gio7388]

Kobe was the perfect person to make this observation. After Shaq left, the Lakers relied on him too much. If Lamar Odom wasn’t having a great game then it was pretty much all on Kobe. When they got Pau everything changed because he finally had someone else he could trust. Harden has had teammates to share the load with, but was never willing to play team ball. He also was too lazy on defense. At this point he has missed his window, but he should’ve been able to win at least one with that Rockets team he had if he would’ve played the right way.

[@Anthonyduwayne]

I don't know why teams keep trading for Harden. He keeps showing you who he is year after year yet teams keep trading for him thinking he's gonna change. You can't win with a guy like that.

[@aznpikachu215]

Simple, his stats. And players like this will bring in tickets and revenue.

[@pittland44]

@@aznpikachu215It is stats, but there's another piece to it. Most People don't know how to use statistics for a lot of things. I used to do quality control and we could collect numbers until we were blue in the face. That doesn't mean the number you're collecting tell you anything. When I was making glue when I got there we measured 14 different metrics as part of our finished goods QC testing. We eventually convinced management we didn't need all those numbers and got it down to five (and three of them were tests they hadn't previously used). So we got better, more usable data while having to do less than half the work. The problem is that people see Harden's raw numbers and think this guy is a monster a la Kobe or MJ. They don't have the advanced metrics that would tell you this guy is a black hole who cannot let others lead the offense and plays about as good a defense as an orange traffic cone would. The problem with the Clippers is Steve Balmer thinks that they need stars to win a title. What they need are pieces that fit their puzzle. You have Kahwi, PG13 and Russ. What they need are spot up shooters, off ball cutters and defenders (a good stretch 4 would really help right now). But Balmer can only see Harden's stats and doesn't realize that he's the cotton candy of the NBA. A lot of numbers, but they're all empty calories that don't add any nutritional value. This is why guys like Chris Broussard and Nick Wright attack the use of statistics and analytics (while conveniently using them whenever it aids their assertions). Because most of the people in the NBA don't know what stats to look at and how to use them in any meaningful way. The Suns are going to run into the same problems with the roster they've constructed, because it wasn't designed to construct a complete team, it was designed to add star power.

[@wavegawd1111]

@@alancastilleja6394”Who cares about winning?” I wouldn’t got that for, but the NBA is very much so an entertain product and stars and well known name are entertaining. However winning is the most entertaining thing.

[@sonny4978]

its shocking to me too. He's an obvious tumor. A cancer. He ruins everything he touches. I would avoid him at all costs.

[@berryesseen]

What if it actually works this time... Even if it's 1% chance, you take the shot. Imagine Clippers vs. Sixers final and Harden finally wins it all. Wouldn't it be great?

[@dorkodude83]

My love for the NBA died when Kobe died. It seemed like he was the voice of reason when it came to criticism of the ludicrousness of how the NBA devolved into a flopping, whining and 3 point shooting contest. Kobe knew what it took physically and mentally to win, and would do it by any means necessary. He was that bridge between the "old guard" and the next generation. RIP Mamba!

[@SahlinAxel]

I don't think that's true, and I think he would tell you that players like Steph and Giannis is carrying the torch in terms of physical and mental work ethic. They might not be as "vocal" but they would fit into that "old guard" atleast in terms of work.

[@SLiPiEiFy]

I dont really hate on Kobe but if the rumors were true that a guy who had shaq and was willing to sacrifice everything to win" Mentality", he wouldnt have broken up the team right?

[@dorkodude83]

@@SahlinAxel I think those 2 are outliers to the mean. They both have been loyal to their respective franchises (granted they are making hundreds of millions doing such) and know what it takes to win. I think that the NBA offseason and free agency has overshadowed anything that is done on the court.

[@SahlinAxel]

@@dorkodude83 that's fair, but wasn't Kobe an outlier aswell? I think we tend to romanticize the "good old times" and forget that it's more similar than different.

[@saysoun752]

As long as my team, Indiana Pacers, compete, I'm a happy fan as they're probably not going to win it all. So far, they're a very fun team to watch this year and I'm hoping they're good enough to make the playoffs and hopefully put up a run. They've got solid players that should help them win and compete so I'm a happy fan.

[@junoknobloch3830]

It just hit me how sad it is we'll never get to hear what Kobe thinks about any player ever again.

[@jugo1944]

You might if you go to hell

[@CGoody564]

​@@jugo1944 someone's bitter. Are you Kobe's disgruntled ex?

[@edwells4769]

@@jugo1944 the smartphone was a mistake, and you are proof.

[@MoshehKoke]

@@jugo1944 lil bro....i just gotta know...what team of yours did Kobe beat that got u still hatin through the grave tho? and like was it a specific game or sumn? or like a player got shook or dunked on or sumn? lol u couldn't afford his shoes one time? like someone was flamin u for some dirty off brand kicks with holes in em soul talkin from the front and back got the bottom strapped with duct tape to the rest of the shoe and dude flamin u just happened to have Kobe's shoes on? u tried to get sumn autographed and he ain't have a pen? u had a girlfriend that loved him more than u? yo pops was a Kobe fan but he left and never came back? or he hooped u out real bad one time in front of all ur friends? u spent all week s*ckin dick for cash and spent it on a Kobe bet at the bar and he lost that night? im just askin for the hb

[@Bshaqisopr]

Ai might make it possible

[@amzztv]

Kobe is known for his scoring, but he is also a very good defender, and he will guard the best player of the other team.

[@jdrmanmusiqking]

Its crazy how Shaq was unequivocally wrong for being a selfish, lazy, egotistical dude yet Kobe was the villain for simply wanting Shaq to work harder. Shaq being lazy was setting a bad example and its ironic how Shaq literally had the same complaints about playing with Rodman

[@supranasty1]

Hard to argue that someone should be better when they're the best.

[@drosales43]

His beef with Rodman was more so his status vs. That of Shaq... he just didn't like him as a person... No one out worked Rodman when it came to his craft and I've never heard anyone else call him "lazy"

[@jdrmanmusiqking]

@@drosales43 Bro... Literally listen to the words Shaq says not your own headcanon

[@jakeclark5007]

There's a really good quote about Kobe from Phil Jackson's book; I'm gonna butcher it and I'm too lazy to look it up. But basically it's Phil trying to explain to Kobe that the competitive level at which Kobe baselines is unattainable for other dudes, even at their peaks - and if Kobe's going to be a great leader, he's gotta figure that out. Which he did in '09.

[@drosales43]

@@jdrmanmusiqking head cannon... clever! There are some good quotes in the BTM KZbin page where Shaq talks about Rodman... never heard him use the term lazy im sure he may have and I've never heard it so apologies for the ignorance

[@alasdairmacdonald9838]

Plenty of people listened to Kobe, he wasn't wrong about Harden but he was also saying something that many people knew already.

[@1uplink169]

He saw it first person against AI and the 76ers. Still Ai took game 1 from them in La. I doubt Kobe could have done that in Ai's shoes.

[@davidlee4985]

his quote is quite literally about harden having to ballhog or else his team cant stay in good playoff contention.

[@davidlee4985]

“I don’t think that style’s ever gonna win championships. But at the same time, you have to keep your team’s head above water to win games. You have to do what you have to do to win games. And he’s doing that.”

[@feynmanschwingere_mc2270]

@@1uplink169 Clown take. Utterly clownish. Kobe did something way more impressive than ANYTHING AI did in the weak-ass Leastern Conference. He beat PRIME Tim Duncan, PRIME Ginobli, PRIME Tony Parker, PRIME Bruce Bowen, arguably the best wing defender in the league at the time, the SAME EXACT TEAM that Swept LeSteroids James in 2007 Finals 4-0. He GENTLEMAN SWEPT THEM 4-1 in the 2008 WCF with Pau Gasol as his BEST TEAMMATE. Pau, who never even averaged 20 PPG when he was with Kobe, AVERAGED 13 PPG on 40% shooting vs the Spurs in the 2008 WCF. And yet Kobe won the 2008 WCF vs San Antonio 4-1 in a G-Sweep. Unprecedented. WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY more impressive than ANYTHING Iverson has ever done. If AI took PAU GASOL - again, who AVERAGED 13 ppg in the series 🤣🤣🤣- and beat the DEFENDING CHAMPION SPURS 4-1, that's all you would have heard about AI for the rest of his career. Kobe was also an even better defender than AI who was GREAT with steals but had zero post-defense because of his size. The Kobe hate is strange. You'd think high IQ people would appreciate a savant like Kobe. It's probably why only low IQ folk seem to dislike him. Peace and Love.

[@TheHuskyK9]

@@1uplink169 In that weak Eastern Conference around that time, he could've. Kobe literally carried those terrible 2000's post-Shaq/pre-Pau Lakers teams to the playoffs every year in a stacked Western Conference. Lakers had no business making the playoffs when their starting point guard and center was Smush Parker and Chris Mihm, and the only help Kobe had was Odom averaging 15 ppg

[@lancehandy6648]

Interviewer: “Kobe doesn’t think you can win championships with your style of play, what do you have to say about that?” Harden: “ injuries “

[@nickfowler547]

Look at Maxey now and how much he’s flourishing. He had to stand around and watch Harden dribble for 20 seconds and then catch it with 3 seconds left and have to drive or shoot it. Now he’s actually getting a chance to have the ball and run some offense and Philly looks great. Everybody is touching the rock and getting involved on offense. Can’t do that with Harden around

[@Predator-618]

bro wrote a whole paragraph 😂😂😂

[@shunguloy1012]

Harden mentored him and helped him evolved, people really love talking about things they know nothing about with full confidence nowadays...

[@carnage3208]

He had a great season with James last year, he mentored him and helped him a ton, Maxey has stated this multiple times in interviews. Stop trying to create narratives lmao

[@PLF...]

The fact he is still on a team is mind-blowing. He is like all the worst sides of Carmelo with none of the good ones. And _he_ got out the league because people didn't want him. The fact that these guys can give you good analytics in the right situation doesn't mean they can win. In ANY way. They can only be that kind of player if they are the big dawg on a small dawg team - they simply don't have what it takes to lead.

[@divyanshyadav7185]

difference with melo was, he got humbled and accepted to play off the bench too.

[@sloaiza81]

Exactly. Basic stuff. It's crazy that players like Melo and Harden play for more than 5 seasons. I mean, defense wins championships. Oldest saying in the books

[@KrispyLewis]

Exactly

[@trevorkremenliff4996]

Dude, Melo was a totally different ordeal, he was from New York he was gona play for the Knicks eventually he gave that organization a lot. Harden hopping a lot of rosters right now. It really sucked what happened when amare stoudemire left Steve Nash

[@Dankshin0bi]

He was the leader in assists last year chill

[@GOODMuzikBoi]

I think we listened to Kobe, James obviously didn’t

[@joshuainadagbo4771]

At the time they was saying Kobe was selfish and that he was a hater

[@bipolarminddroppings]

@@joshuainadagbo4771 the talking heads were saying that, no one else was. I dunno about you, but when one of the people on Basketball's Mt Rushmore says something, I assume they know better than me.

[@thepubknight6144]

​​@@bipolarminddroppings Because like MJ and Bird before him , Kobe wasn't media friendly in America, he did many interviews outside of America And the hack journalists never let it go with all three of them Kobe was speaking facts Rip Black Mamba

[@davidlee4985]

“I don’t think that style’s ever gonna win championships. But at the same time, you have to keep your team’s head above water to win games. You have to do what you have to do to win games. And he’s doing that.”

[@davidlee4985]

his quote is quite literally about harden having to hog the ball to carry his team to the playoffs. not his whole play style through his career. please listen 😭😭😭

[@NoLanConnection]

I was really regretting a trade I made in fantasy football and thinking I was an absolute idiot for it, but then I remembered that a GM of the clippers actually made this Harden trade and I felt better

[@lamontxx]

what about now?

[@bandito241]

@@lamontxxI think he felt better because even the people that work in NBA FO’s for a living are as idiotic as him.

[@NoLanConnection]

@lamontxx Still about the same, they just went on a winning streak but still gonna miss the playoffs

[@lamontxx]

@@NoLanConnection what teams go be above the clippers?

[@NoLanConnection]

@lamontxx Pels, Mavs, Rockets, Warriors, Suns, and maybe even the Lakers

[@SaltyChip]

The reason Kobe said that is because he, himself played a few seasons of hero ball and the lakers were a .500 team. Jordan had the same problem too until he finally started to trust his teammates and figured out it’s better to score 29points a game with a Scottie pippen or Pau Gasol getting theirs as well.

[@amandadraws8682]

Pippen averaged like 8 points a game when he first arrived. You should watch the full playoff games, not highlights. But Jordan's high assist rate was in the 1980s and they dropped as of 1992. He was passing the ball. Kobe had bad teammates and was forced to take over. Jordan would go on the bench and his teammates continued to average 34% field goals. That doesnt happen today, but it was a thing in Jordan/Kobe era

[@amandadraws8682]

Pippen in both 1989 and 1990 quit against the Pistons. In 1988 he averaged 7 points a game in that playoff series. He could not trust a 7 points a game player, or a player that abandoned the game in both 1989 and 1990. Pippen basically did not even want to play against Pistons those seasons. So MJ was left with 6 points a game players in 1990 and 1989. He still average 7 assists per game in those playoffs. But Bull Cartwright had practically no proper scoring ability.

[@TKDBoy1889]

Jordan didn't need to learn to trust his teammates, Jordan needed teammates he could trust. Game 7 against the Pistons MJ managed to get 9 assists even though the average shooting % of his teammates was around 30%, while MJ himself was over 50%. Scottie wasn't even a double-digit scorer when he first arrived. When MJ was a PG for 24 game stretch he recorded over 10 triple-doubles. The guy was willing to pass the ball if you could actually do something wit it.

[@andreas_kuenster]

the defensive style is exactly what is being used on Luka already this season. lot's of double teams and blitzes on midcourt and it works pretty good, luckily Luka is a good passer and the Mavs are a good shooting team right now.

[@julesceezy9694]

Lukas also the best clutch shooter in the league whereas James Harden is historically anti-clutch

[@TheMilchBroetchen]

Luka is also the best cry baby and complainer in the league. If he doesnt change that attitude he will never win anything.

[@mauricerhodes1756]

@@julesceezy9694 James Harden has been a title favorite 1 time in his entire playoff career...... calling him anti clutch when hes won 85 playoff games, been to a finals and 2 conference finals is just another example of medias influence over you..... mans been in more important playoff situations then players before him like AI & TMac but because he coulndt beat the 6 all star Warriors or the Spurs hes a choker? What series were you telling people Harden has no excuses for losing?? Just name 1 honest time....

[@jmg2190]

Luka is leading the league in scoring it can’t be working that great lol

[@andreas_kuenster]

@@jmg2190 he will alway create his shots ... and he is a machine. But there were lots of moments were the defense already traps him double team at the mid line and he ne needs to get some passes off. What he is absolutely capable of but also struggled with. The actual reason right now the Mavs (and they are my team) are so good because they are the best 3pt shooting team in the league right now and the ball movement works as well as balancing Luka and Kyrie playtime. But I wait for the night the 3pt won't fall and then we'll see how much that team is capable off. Lively does great so far accept of getting in foul problems a lot. But he's smart he will adapt. At least I am slightly excited for the season. But after xMas you can probably see first direction for the team

[@bytgfdsw2]

Harden has so many glaring red flags for the playoffs: he doesn’t move off ball at all; he does not engage in defense full time; and his foul drawing is less effective when physicality is allowed. And if he doesn’t change his behavior I don’t think he’ll win a championship in his career as a contributor

[@enel9961]

He won’t 😂 EVER. He’s purely just lazy

[@PremiumRaizo]

It's pretty safe to say he won't be winning any rings.

[@LKjr13]

Go show him how it’s done

[@xFlow777]

hardens scoring domination earlier in his career was purely thanks to the BS fouls he was able to draw. Once the league stopped calling them harden numbers cut in half. And its not because he got older.

[@Predator-618]

harden is washed fr fr 😂😂😂

[@shunguloy1012]

His scoring cut in half cause he took only 10 shots a game, not because of the ft attempts 🤡🤡 its obvious you didn't actually watch ball in his prime days and now you're just yapping

[@ConnorMiller417]

This has aged like fine wine. Kobe hit the nail right on the head because he was speaking from experience. After Shaq left the Lakers, Kobe had to play the exact same style because they relied on him too much. That’s why they had shortcomings until 2009-2010. The difference between Kobe and Harden is that Harden has refused to change his style of play. You can’t get different results doing the same thing. Harden will never win a ring. Rest in peace Kobe, you were right all along. You’re sorely missed.

[@galpeleg143]

it not about Harden being clutch or not , it about Harden play style. Harden used to play 3 vs 1 -> him + 2 referees vs the defender, he used to get calls every time he LOOK at the basket , but that the regular season . at the Playoff team actually ALLOWED to play defence , and flops are much less regarded -> so harden perform MUCH MUCH worse at playoff

[@IlmaliklI]

In the regular season for his career harden avg 25 6 6 vs. 23 6 7 in the playoffs but sure let’s go with your stolen espn take

[@davidlee4985]

almost had a stroke reading this non sensical non existent grammar take 💀💀💀

[@jakeclark5007]

Little bit of both. Just because his style isn't conducive to playoff success doesn't mean he's not also a choker. Not mutually exclusive I think I just dropped a quadruple negative, but you get my point. I think

[@richatlarge462]

​@@IlmaliklIBut he shrivels up in the decisive playoff games. Every. Fucking. Time.

[@andrewheng5176]

and he'll continue to find out that calls are not going his way because he's aging and losing star value. The moment the league sees that you're depreciating in commercial value is the minute they give preferential treatment to some other guy

[@tyronep6546able]

When kobe made that statement he wasn't talking about James harden. He was talking about Mike D'Antoni offense coaching style.

[@dinerenblancc]

Delusional Harden stans

[@davidlee4985]

@@dinerenblancche is right tho lmao it was literally in 2019 when harden was averaging 40 trying to get his team to the playoffs. lmao fake kobe fans make me sick to the stomach

[@davidlee4985]

@@dinerenblancc “I don’t think that style’s ever gonna win championships. But at the same time, you have to keep your team’s head above water to win games. You have to do what you have to do to win games. And he’s doing that.”

[@BOSSDONMAN]

@@davidlee4985People obsess over numbers too much. Value is what matters. 40 PPG would be like 28 PPG in the 2000s - and he: 1) Didn't average that 2) Exploited a broken foul system to get a huge percentage of the points

[@BallIsLife353332]

@@BOSSDONMANyou can take away every free throw he shot during those highest ppg seasons at the rockets and he still is at roughly 30 ppg lmao you’re making it seem like he was at Jordan level fta off of bs calls

[@2-EZzzz]

This is a well-documented vid! You earn my subscribe! Good work!

[@andrewheng5176]

It's not that you get away with it during the regular season, teams just aren't as invested on a per game basis to stop that style of play because one win against them doesn't hold as much weight. Here's the thing, talented scorers are sprinkled throughout history, can literally pick a handful of guys from each decade to emulate Harden's accolades if teams wanted to give said guys the free-reigns to do whatever they want. The difference between a Kobe, a Steph, and a Harden is that one set finally figured it out, the other just kept sticking to the same play style after all these years.

[@aznpikachu215]

Kobe is right. But really, does Harden care? He just wants to get paid.

[@raymondchandler697]

Rarely plays D Flames out big in playoff games Tanks when he wants to get traded But always shows up…..at the Strip Club😮

[@Ouroboross-]

When people like you say shit like this it doesn't make sense. He SHOULD care because if he doesn't make himself an asset he WONT get paid. You said a whole lot of nothing.

[@aznpikachu215]

​@@Ouroboross- He'll only care for the sake of caring. He's out at strip clubs and calling out the GM. A prima donna.

[@bipolarminddroppings]

"He just wants to get paid" is exactly why Kobe knew it first. Kobe only cared about WINNING.

[@Gogetta80]

@@Ouroboross-he cares about his money and his stats, not about winning

[@jericaspillaga1904]

LOL This video, in a subtle way, explains why MJ is the undisputed GOAT! 101% AGREE!

[@alfasiger4178]

It inadvertently did so. Yes.

[@00Corruptio]

Stats don't lie

[@_M....]

MJ was unique. he could play the "wrong way" and still drive team success.

[@RoseCurry5]

​@@_M.... truly 1 of 1

[@iamdalibor]

Actually it was the rules that were different back in the 90s that helped Jordan style of play. After the 2000s and forward any defender could be anywhere on the court and defend however you wanted That wasn't the case during the 90s Defenders were not allowed to play zone They either had to stick guarding their player or commit to double teaming Anything in between was regarded as illegal defense. This was the illegal defense rule of the 90s Offenses would clear out a side and give their star player the freedom to isolate. If a weak side offensive player was located above the foul line the weak side defender wasn't able to help in the post But if a weak side offensive player was located below the foul line the weak side defender was allowed to help in the post

[@danc9721]

This video was extremely well done! I really enjoyed watching this! 👊

[@jokesonyoumyguy5086]

This is a prime example of why one must always remain humble. Being humble isn’t just about being modest towards others, it’s also about having mental and spiritual clarity. For example; When people start calling you the best, the g.o.a.t., a legend, etc.. and you actually start thinking that you are but you don’t deep down truly believe you are.. that’s when you start overthinking, you get anxious, you start developing self doubt, you start making all types of mistakes you wouldn’t normally make because you’re constantly thinking about the wrong things and when it’s time to rise to the occasion, you will likely choke. You can’t fake it with yourself. It’s instead better to focus on getting better, learning (you can always learn more) and perfecting your craft and don’t let all the hype get to your head because the moment you fall or don’t meet those expectations, those same people will be laughing at you, talking about how you choke, and calling you a bum. Live in the moment.

[@hw2508]

"If the stat says: You can only do this if you are Michael Jordan..." Fantastic!

[@traeza777]

He was right about Dwight too 😂😂😂😂

[@hoosthere]

What did he say about Dwight?

[@charliewhiteii4896]

​@@hoosthere They kinda got into it during a game and you could see Kobe telling him " You're soft "

[@traeza777]

@@hoosthere what Charlie said ...

[@tdvu]

In that interview where Kobe said James' style play of wasn't winning basketball, he also praised him because he understood he had to do that to keep his team afloat with the injuries surrounding Harden that year. If James doesn't do what he did in 2019, the Rockets aren't making the playoffs.

[@JA-vg8dk]

Man great video! Well done.

[@nixdapogs]

MJ was a statistical anomaly. The GOAT 🐐

[@pittland44]

It shows how special Mike truly was.

[@bipolarminddroppings]

If I were ever to believe that someone had supernatural powers, it would be MJ. The man is a walking statistical anomaly, it's not just the one stat highlighted here, there's a whole bunch of them where there's like Kobe, Shaq, Wilt, LBJ etc all around the same mark and then MJ off all by himself...

[@jmgonzales7701]

i dont think anyone could top MJ @@bipolarminddroppings

[@mgomez9736]

MJ also played with 💯 percent intensity. On both sides of the court.

[@Lifted001]

"MJ, you are the one" - Morpheus probably

[@dannygoats6887]

We could’ve gotten more sheer knowledge, experience and advices if Kobe was still alive 😢

[@tylerkay825]

Hey i just realized, bro only has 5k subs. You put in good work in this Video, so i subbed

[@slinnkys5405]

What's funny is people were covering this when it happened, but everyone had the blinders on due to the numbers and didnt take it to heart.

[@IBNZ1W]

I think it’s a testament to MJ and Kobe, even Curry can find his way on that list. They could take over games, but they knew when and where it was necessary. Harden tries to take over every game and sometimes it works, other times it’s just a total flop. Pun not intended and yet it’s effectively correct.

[@nathanielgomez8350]

Honestly I think this is the issue with Harden. He's never figured out when he has to take over and when he has to mesh with the team. He has a really weak off ball game nor a strong defender ever.

[@ddavis8988]

MJ amd Kobe had to learn that too. They didn't just come into the NBA knowing. They had their share of 1st round exits and didn't get further than Harden did with his style.

[@nathanielgomez8350]

@@ddavis8988 The thing is Kobe and MJ definitely learnt that by the time they hit 25-27. They just got extremely crafty with age and always had great defensive pressure so you were getting value on both ends of the court. With Harden, although I feel he is comparable as an isolation player to the above two (definitely not on that level, but its not out of reach) he lacks the ability to mesh with the team nor do you get consistent value on defence with him. I honestly thought the issue with Harden in Houston was the system, in Brooklyn it was the injuries and I thought with Philly it would get better. Honestly, I didn't hate his time here, but I haven't followed all their games so I'm not qualified to have an opinion there either. I know it was probably some internal issue with Morey and him, but seeing him forcing himself out of a team again really puts a damper on how much I can expect. At some point it becomes less about the logistics and more of a personality issue.

[@IBNZ1W]

For the most part, I feel like Harden just doesn’t have the team mentality. He has proven it since he left OKC and joined the Rockets, he threw so much work into his game, he forgot that his team mates are there to support him and win with him. Instead they were just tools where he could pass if he needed the assists for triple doubles and pad stats, I thought as much with Westbrook but these last two seasons make me feel that Westbrook is actually a far more team oriented player. And that is probably thanks to KD and Steven Adams. I don’t think Harden has played with a team mate he actually wanted to play with, I suppose CP was the best team mate he put up with but he was nearing the clear decline of his career. If Harden keeps acting like a spoiled tool who bitches and groans about every player that tries to support him, he’s just destined to be lonely on the court and not win a championship. Simple really.

[@Lev782]

Coming back to this video next year to see how the Clippers’ 23-24 season will be with him

[@wulver810]

You mean, what team he will be on next?

[@Henry-vl9us]

Good video, thanks.

[@monikerasmoniker]

Love that approach of XT5 and GFX. cropped sensor for depth and speed, medium format for portrait and details.

[@whobutroo]

He will definitely retire ring-less. Kawhi doesn't seem like he really wants to get a ring anymore. Paul wants it. Russell wants it - but they are both ring-less for several reasons.

[@bipolarminddroppings]

He might get a ring in his final season when he's getting less minutes, but it will be in spite of him, not because of him.

[@whobutroo]

@@bipolarminddroppings I can agree with that. It’s a shame when someone is their own worst enemy.

[@youallneedjesus1503]

Kawhi hasn't wanted a ring since refusing to join with Lebron and AD lakers, I get he doesn't want to terrorize the league for the next 3-4 yeara and make it unwatchable, but that was a dumb move picking 1 and only pg13 with a terrible clippers system and no proper big men over, a system with floor general guys and proper big men, I get him leaving raptors though

[@Strawhatj824]

I remember people called Kobe a hater for this very rational take

[@americandesi2k5]

I really dislike James Harden, but he was so close to beating one of the best teams ever created. Not only that, no other team came that close to beating a healthy KD Warriors. His style of play did work to be fair, he just ran into the Warriors with KD twice, and CP got injured one of those years. He does deserve a lot of credit for that.

[@andorfun4679]

It took a fluke that's never happened in NBA history before or since (0-27 3's) for Harden to lose that series.

[@Ambivert_15]

Lol why do you really dislike harden? He’s one of the most talented and intelligent players the league has ever seen. This Harden hate has always been ridiculous to me.

[@americandesi2k5]

@@Ambivert_15 No disrespect to him, but I just never personally enjoyed his baiting the refs, flopping, the beard, his forcing his way out of multiple teams, diva behavior, and seemingly being out of shape/overweight. I respect what he has done on the court, but I just personally don't like him. That doesn't mean he isn't great or anything, just my personal taste/opinion.

[@nigelvee1745]

Solid content. Keep it coming.

[@serenadesilhout]

Harden's offense doesn't work in the playoffs, but on defense he's a liability. This is why he will never pass Dwyane Wade. At some point the points don't matter.

[@jeortiz-luis4288]

wins SHOULD always matter the most as the man on the team so fuck your robert horry normie replies

[@thepubknight6144]

I shot threes and when I missed it was WAY harder to get back on defense because you have to set up the three hopeful it goes in The reason Kerr and guys like him were so elite at the 3 pt especially in Chicago was because he had it in his mind that he isn't gonna make every three and adapted so he was already on defense

[@davidlee4985]

this is just cap… the 2018/2019 rockets are title winners any other year. tell me any other team that had won after 2019 that would even come CLOSE to 65 wins in a season AND take the kd warriors to 7 games. none.

[@serenadesilhout]

@@davidlee4985 It's not about the record, how many points were scored - his STYLE of play doesn't work. He can't adapt to playoff defenses, doesn't play well in a system, and you know he's not giving you any effort on defense. CP3 even complained about his style of play in Houston which is why they stopped getting along.

[@unknownrage7691]

@@serenadesilhoutharden literally average 28 against the most difficult defenses the warriors , spurs, lakers in the playoffs

[@sanrichi9079]

Thats why stats not tell you about the game. I dont remember which defensive specialist once told about Kobe: They had a system, they let them score the first 3 quarters, they just played 1 vs 1, and Kobe dominant, but the rest of the team got cold. In the last five minutes, they denaided Kobe to shoot, and how the others players were cold, even with open shoots they used to miss. Maybe those games Kobe had alot of points with good %, but Lakers lost (that was the mvp season of Kobe).

[@blicleak1101]

Bro those Kobe teams were literal garbage

[@joshlandis3414]

Outside of Kobe, that was arguably the worst starting lineup of all time lol

[@jimlahey3919]

Kobe’s teammates were always cold. Not only did he not involve them in the game, but they were also just sub par players. No one good signed up to play with Kobe. Good free agents stayed out of LA when Kobe was there

[@ZSleepingDragonZ]

Didn't work when Kobe had an all-star teammate, like Shaq and Pau Gasol. Harden had all-star teammates on every team he's been, with zero results.

[@jamesbroomfield7799]

It's the same thing like when Carmelo played for the Knicks, they just play that isolation ball and Carmelo get a bunch of points but the team would always lose. I remember when Jeremy Lin got in there and they were mixing it up and that's when the next started winning games and you see what happened when they got rid of Jeremy Lin and went back to ISO with Carmela, back to losing games again

[@mtaufanrp26]

This content is 🔥 bro. Idk why your subscribers is only 5k.

[@jayrichjlr]

3:08 I know this was a slip but it's crazy to think of CP3 on the warriors. Also, those Rockets teams could have taken the warriors 50 times out of 100 if Chris stayed healthy

[@munchsinister9055]

Right like the warriors not even a great team ppl hype them up too much but face less competition but when they faced the raptors in the finals what happened they lost because Toronto was better

[@wubbied4575]

@@munchsinister9055The warriors with KD are the greatest team ever assembled and if you think otherwise you’re just a casual.

[@munchsinister9055]

@wubbied4575 yep I do just like yall a fan of them I'm not they got beat by a better team don't care what yall say that's your opinion

[@wubbied4575]

@@munchsinister9055 stop the cap. how’d they get beat by a better team when KD and klay got injured? Stop it get some help 😂

[@munchsinister9055]

@@wubbied4575 Nall yall fan Boyz need some help they beat teams that had injured players fuck klay if he got hurt yall like to cry about yall so call super team like someone cares you got your opinion and I got mines don't message with bullshit about your team that barely won against anyone

[@heofprophesy8188]

Dope shot of Kobe 1:35. Pensive Perfectionist. One of the Greatest.

[@feynmanschwingere_mc2270]

FACTS

[@johariniarivorakoto8278]

hmmm.... @@feynmanschwingere_mc2270

[@hottz115]

Great video great take you got a new subscriber

[@GoingMach5]

Man we lost so much when Kobe passed.

[@LucianDevine]

I kind of hope James ends up ringless for one simple reason. Those who don't learn from the past are destined to repeat it. He has barreled forward time and again, knowing that his strategy doesn't work, and he deserves to not win a ring if he continues with it instead of lucking into a ring with it.

[@commonsense1443]

0:21 had me rollin wit the goofy outfits 🤣

[@mansamusa7927]

I actually felt like god was gonna rewind time and tell Kobe to hop in a sprinter instead of the chopper his death along with Gigi is still unbelievable to me till this day

[@LKjr13]

He ain’t listen to God

[@Void7.4.14]

I got a feeling that if he ever gets a ring it'll be a case of one of those old bench players that gets next to no minutes late in their careers that rides the coattails of younger, better talent into a chip like we've seen happen before, even with solid contributors with careers they can be proud of like DeAndre Jordan and Ish Smith last year (congrats to both 🎉). I really used to rock with Harden, that trio made me push for OKC as an East Coaster with no reason to care otherwise. It's insane that they drafted that level of skill. And he was nice for a minute with the Rockets. But its just gotten sad at this point.

[@y0kiddyz1]

Facts. He's probably deciding on Denver, Milwaukee or bet on Wemby in San Antonio to go to last lol

[@CampLife-pl7ez]

Hes gonna be like Gary Payton in the Heat.

[@lanes9339]

gotta feel for the amazing players of this lebron/warriors era though. arguably no way to win unless you were part of a warriors or lebron team specifically ring chasing like durant

[@4747da]

Thanks for the video, and I agree regarding the usage rate, but harden doesn't lose in the playoffs because of high usage. He has underperformed in crucial games, elimination games. Why can he be amazing in some post season games, and awful at others? It's not about the other team adjusting. Don't get me wrong, I think team play is better, but that's not harden's story. Luka, is actually a more interesting example. His usage is very similar to harden's, but unlike harden, he shows up to crucial games in the post season. So he is a more fitting candidate for this argument. I would say his fatigue in 4th quarters might imply he's doing to much on offence.

[@user-vr5lk8in1q]

no no no this video is stupid. choking is losing when you are supposed to win and playing like the moment is just not for you. James harden has 1 playoof game where he actually just was throwing the ball away etc. all this james harden choking narrative is so crazy. what team has he ever had that made any of us think its the rockets year? CP fucking 3 ... look at some of those teams and what james HAD to do. secondly the league isnt getting any tougher, its only beoming easier and easier to put up numbers but not be banged and bruised by the end of the year. James had atleat 3-5 years where they tried to play defense and bump you . regardless James is great and I can easily tell ppls basketball IQ by there opinion of Harden.

[@user-vr5lk8in1q]

If i didnt have to type i could articulate this point way more validly but it is what it is.

[@lukeb1663]

The while argument is that defenses absolutely do adjust for you, but sometimes a player is so good that they can still beat it, but over a long stretch of games, you have to beat it every single game. It’s just not realistically possible to do this for a full playoff run.

[@Luvdaniell]

@4:35 this gave off that “except Gojo” vibe 😂

[@Ready4Wednesday]

Great video

[@DCoopVideos]

And this is why No team will have a chance to win a chip with Harden on your team.

[@darnellbush2408]

First of all hes not a team player , thats why he hasnt won a CHIP

[@davidlee4985]

the 2018 rockets are quite literally better than all the teams that won after 2020 lol… the winning teams would NEVER take the kd warriors to 7 games heck even 6.

[@davidlee4985]

@@darnellbush2408he is tho..? he averagrd 21 and 11 assists while leading joel to an mvp. and joel loves him. its you casual fans making it seem hes not a team player lmao

[@videogames9829]

he left the 76ers specifically because they made him play team ball loool, so no, he's not a team player. He said it himself at his introductory press conference as a clipper.@@davidlee4985

[@youallneedjesus1503]

@@davidlee4985 2023 nuggets do

[@nizmei8052]

Kobe recognised Hardens issue cause he almost became the same guy. 8:23 here he literally says that he was told to stop cause Shaq could’ve been lost and Kobes face expression says it all what he thought about it but agrees to follow the rule. So, it’s not just Hardens issue, the team strategy circles around him

[@romangalich8733]

Interesting overview. There will always be all-around great scorers who prefer ISO and ultimate teammates. the NBA needs both.

[@LifesLessons100]

🤔 All the teams that didnt want Harden listened..

[@iluvdissheet]

The Clippers have disappointed me since Lob City. Adding Harden has not changed my feelings. I need to see him be a team player. The West is crazy. OKC looks good even without SGA, Wemby coming up....maybe this was a bad year to switch conferences.

[@ComedyBros5]

Maaan, why’d you have to bring up lob city. Such a blast era of basketball, those were the days!

[@Hopskiddlydoo27262]

Russel and harden in the playoffs on same team together? Good luck to you my friend I love them but based on their history they are not the 2 guys you want on your team in the playoffs even in their primes and now they are even older

[@CstWstFllwer]

This was a damn good report. Its not even just a seasonal video, it covers Hardens bs all his career. great documentary in other words. this is a great report

[@LKjr13]

Stop hating on another man

[@peterbriones9932]

Referencing Kobe in your title line was a solid move to draw my attention and imagine at least a few others. Good info

[@theYT_moderator]

People listened to kobe on this. Nobody ignored.

[@TheEastside661]

I have love for Harden since he is a fellow L.A. native but aside from that, i’ve always felt that he is largely overvalued. 2009-2012 he impressed me and I felt like he was the real deal when it comes to being an impact player in the role that he was asked to fulfill. Since then though, I have felt like he has been grossly overrated. A ball dominant guard who is obsessed with scoring and does little to nothing to fortify that talents of his teammates. Not only that, he can thank the charitable referees and the free throw line for MANY of his high scoring games. Since Houston, his scoring stats have always been deceptive. If Harden is on your team then you should feel a great deal of anxiety because he is self-absorbed, demands to be the honcho of a team but does not contribute to winning basketball. Brian Dameris spoke nothing but the truth when it comes to Harden.

[@BrandonGavin_EDC]

Not only that but he refuses to do anything different to win, and he plays 0 defense. He literally gives up every point he scores. That’s why he will never win or be happy on a team. Trade every other year now.

[@Srt3D01-db-01]

Also, 5:15 this the same for mavs and luka. He is a menace but fairly easy to contend at playoffs since he is the main star from the team. He does not distribute the ball that much compared to Nikola, and look what happens: easy elimination at playoffs. We should see differrent results now that the has Kyrie with him and they both coordinate better but we will see

[@user-ug2rk8zr3q]

Hes had kyrie with him ..🥴

[@burburry.j5798]

He had kyrie with him for half of a season bro be real

[@Keezy59]

"Harden is me first player, iso ball scorer.." *shows Harden passing for an assist*

[@jeffwood1631]

I just love the fact the the Clippers are winless so far since trading for Harden (0-6 thus far). What could go wrong indeed

[@imsleep6706]

I don’t necessarily think that his play style was a failure. Rockets won 65 games in 18 they just ran into the greatest team of all time year after year. If you put that team now they definitely win a championship if not multiple

[@kajabrown186]

It is cause you gave 7 games too adapt in the playoffs his selfishness makes him easy to guard

[@dwightmanne]

Id love for players like harden to never get a ring. Unlike players like charles barkely who sadly didnt get one, harden doesnt deserve one

[@eddywiyana5524]

Barkley, Ewing, Mailman, Stockton, AI, Melo, Nash, Nique, T-Mac, Vinsanity, GrantbHill, Mutombo, Kemp, Mullin all have the same faith. Deserving, but unable to win one. Unlike KD, who gets ones he doesn’t deserve, but never be a bus driver

[@bipolarminddroppings]

Chuck doesn't deserve one either, no one does. You don't deserve a championship unless you EARN ONE.

[@jovalleau]

@@eddywiyana5524. A lot of those guys denied because of one dude.

[@illicitburn9386]

This was something all greats have to go through to get better. IT was dishing like 14 assists per game but that wasnt getting to the promise land then he dropped the level assits but he got the team more involved. A well oiled team doesnt need hero ball at all

[@forgettablelisa]

Just watch him play. I'm still stunned any professional GM or coach thinks they can win a championship with this guy.

[@earambula21]

Kobe was talking about Harden doing the one-man-show thing. No harden's play style. Rockets depended on him entirely, just like the Mavs are doing with Luka now. The Clippers training camp restarted when they traded for Harden. It's going to take some games to get use to each other. They still need rebounding, but they'll be fine.

[@stuntmandaniels3323]

When players can do work around him it shows…when u on a team where u have just corner shooters what they gonna do….they built Houston around harden just shooters (above avg) an a pnr big (still hasn’t got better since Houston)…again harden has flaws but the team still gotta donbetter..Denver just won a chip Everyone on the team can do something atleast avg..

[@petkokrushev3840]

now he destroys the Clippers...

[@lobolgbt1300]

0-2… 😂 they’re 0-2 in his first two games

[@tc-channelhobby4051]

​@@lobolgbt1300let the doom begin.

[@AggravatedMan365]

I was just thinking about Kobe's comments a few days ago. It's amazing how Kobe saw this at the plight of Harden's career and it's only gotten worse since.

[@jsb2372]

Harden started his career on a team that was developing into a superteam. Kevin Durant lead OKC as an incredible scorer. Westbrook brought alot of the same skills. HARDEN then appeared to develop the same skills instead of contributing as a team member in a supporting role that could have been a very dominant big 3.

[@tony4534]

It’s a business.

[@blue-phoenix115]

James Harden is like meth or cocaine. Feels great at first, then comes the crash.

[@pittland44]

Is there something you want to share with us?

[@MultiBreezyb]

Great comment 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@blue-phoenix115]

@@pittland44 Sharing is caring :) Got a bump just for u.

[@user-vr5lk8in1q]

This video sucks. the narrative sucks. everyone knows not one person wins you a championship and no one expected him to.

[@asianangler]

part of the blame is the coaches that let him play so much iso and not run more team oriented and fluid offensive plays.

[@henryyoung181]

I think the one variable that is excluded is that Michael Jordan use rate does NOT include the duties to get other involved and other metrics that cannot be necessarily tracked within the triangle offense. Of all the players that had high usage rates, Micheal is the only one that wasnt tasked with bring the ball up the court and "setting up" the offense. Unless it was a fast break or a defensive rebound, Micheal would start at the elbow on the offensive end or the low post and operate from a scoring position versus bringing the ball 90 feet to score like Harden, Russell Westbrook, and others. Lastly, the usage percentage doesn't account for other players on that players team. Lebron's top three usage percentages were during his first stint with the Cavs. He didn't have much talent with him so a lot was demanded of him. Mike was blessed to have Scottie. Also, the usage percentage for Harden and Russell Westbrook should be seen differently than Luka and Lebron. Harden and Russell had another really good player with them when their percentages were high. Luka and Lebron were the main player and they didn't have another player. Now Luka has Kyrie and Lebron has had Kyrie, Wade, and now AD. Harden's and Russell's high usage percentages are purely SELFISH basketball regardless to who the have playing with them.

[@az137445]

Spot on analysis!

[@cnothegoat23]

He knows cause that’s what he ran before Jackson and Gasol came to LA. I agree with Bean on this one

[@thepubknight6144]

I did like that James didn't shit on Kobe unlike LeBron

[@BaldDemon]

The reason is worked for Jordan is because zone defense wasnt allowed and you couldnt double on the weak side. Created easy 1 on 1 matchups. Now you just can just sit in a zone and the entire defense can key in on you.

[@sumnahlennon5449]

Players barely play defense today. James Harden *refuses* to play defense. Lebron takes advantage of the open spacing on drives since he *only* scores under the basket these days. Lebron doesn't play defense either

[@sumnahlennon5449]

In the 1990s, Lebron and Harden would be forced to play defense since illegal defense rules requires you to be a certain distance from opponents. Not 1 on 1 necessarily. Lebron sits in a zone even if he is guarding a mid-range and 3-point shooter because Lebron doesn't play defense. Neither does Harden.

[@sumnahlennon5449]

2000s were the toughest defensive era, but 1990s were the 2nd best. The 2020s is an era where most stars refuse to guard anyone. Except Jokic or Luka who is better than prime Lebron. Harden plays the lackluster defense of Lebron but doesnt have Klutch Sports defending him.

[@amandadraws8682]

No one today other than Steph Curry was double teamed or triple teamed more than Jordan. And the easy spacing maked it easy for 38 year old Lebron. Today's NBA players get exposed during the Euroleague competition where defense is actually played. FIBA was an embarrassment and showed what happens if modern players face real defense

[@seriesx9508]

Zone defense was rarely called. Just like how traveling is rarely called today. If players wanted to triple team and play dirty, they would do it. Thats how Bad Boy Pistons played defense. Jordan got double teamed as he crossed the half court line. The only other player to experience that is Stephen Curry

[@cburr81]

People love to cling onto that Kobe clip but no one ever talks about how when Kobe was asked “who would you start a franchise with” he chose JAMES HARDEN, casuals will continue to be casuals tho

[@alyssachanel96]

Gotta give credit with the criticism went from averaging 36 to leading the league in assist last year

[@SonnyK248]

Kobe said one guy dominating the ball and scoring all the points doesn't win titles. He's probably speaking from experience there during those first couple of post Shaq years. But they've taken what he's said out of context and applied it to today which is dumb. Harden hasn't played that way since he left Houston. He's been a supporting guy in Brooklyn, Philly and now in LA. So yes Harden probably wont win a championship but Kobe isn't predicting the future with what he said because he was saying ball dominant guys who take tones of shots wont win titles and that ain't Harden today so you cant use that on him today. Today Harden wont win titles for a myriad of other reasons 🤣

[@zachfloyd3673]

They didn’t win post Shaq because that may have been the worst roster ever constructed not because of how he was playing. He may have been playing the best basketball individually ever.

[@SonnyK248]

@@zachfloyd3673 Nah that wasn't the best Kobe. That was just Houston Harden Kobe. He was putting up monster numbers because he was taking every shot. Kobe was obviously better than Harden but if he kept that up even with better teammates then they wouldn't win. Even Jordan needed Phil Jackson to convince him to share the ball a little in order to win. Jordan was mid 2000's Kobe in the late 80's.

[@georgehudson5019]

That's not what he said🤦 he said you can't win with that type of offense, with one guy at the top of the key playing iso. Even though jordan and kibe had high usage rates they still played with in the system and they played with out the ball.

[@afallenworld1581]

​@@SonnyK248Share with who please tell me this guy on his team in 05/06 06/07. You guys just talk for no reason.

[@SonnyK248]

@@afallenworld1581 What the hell are you talking about?

[@idropzzu295]

I agree with Kobe, that style of play doesn't work. But then again, if Chris Paul doesn't get hurt, they were going to beat the unstoppable Warriors in the WCF and probably win the Chip that year. But reality set in and he did get hurt and the Rockets plus Harden choked the hardest I've ever seen lmao

[@PremiumRaizo]

6:00-6:14 this one single sentence sums up exactly why players like Russell Westbrook has so many fans, despite him clearly being a stat-padding player.

[@thewriter8762]

But I don’t think it’s specifically just a Harden thing. It’s not the early 2000s or 90s where a star can fully dominate teams on his own and win based off of his output. And I don’t think it’s a forgotten quote, I’ve heard it multiple times and have referenced it in regards to Russ and Harden specifically

[@justonecuber]

Hardens a brick. 🧱

[@boigenius1542]

It's never his fault. He'll always blame someone else for not showing up.

[@CampLife-pl7ez]

Wrong James, ik they're both in LA but that was is named LeBron

[@leezylaflare6734]

3:05 U meant the Rockets but said the Warriors when you were talking about them passing the ball fluently through CHRIS (Paul).

[@TheOGGrandpa]

Y’all should watch Kobe’s 2017 ESPN interview where he talks about how the Europeans will dominate the next generation because they focus on fundamentals and discipline which just isn’t in the American kids games these days. All fluff. Aged like fine wine

[@kristoffetan7021]

This is unfair to the beard. James Harden already changed his game when he came to brooklyn. You see that he's more passive and like to find open players rather than iso play. He's alrrady changed his style for the greater good. It's just the team he's been with don't fit. Probably the problem is his ego and a lot drama.