‘Imagine Trying to Guard James Harden’: Veteran Gilbert Arenas On Harden’s Offensive Firepower

James Harden is amongst the top 10 greatest offensive talents in NBA history. The Beard is a 3-time scoring champion and 1-time MVP, with his greatest offensive exploits coming in the 2018-19 season scoring at 36.1ppg a game. Harden has always been the center of his team’s offensive strategy, whether it be with Chris Paul or Westbrook in Houston, or Kyrie and Durant in Brooklyn!

In fact, Harden’s offensive exploits align with his tenure with the Houston Rockets, and then the Brooklyn Nets. Coach Mike D’ Antoni recognizing Harden’s talent designed an offensive system, quite similar to the system the Bulls ran for MJ prior to the Phil Jackson era.

Apr 5, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) dribbles the ball against the New York Knicks during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports.

Harden was a franchise leader for the Rockets in his years in Houston, leading Houston to deep playoff runs, including 2018, where the Rockets had a Golden State juggernaut on the ropes!

Read More – James Harden and Chris Paul: What Went Wrong Between the Houston Rockets Duo?

The Beard has also crossed the 22,000 career points mark, averaging 25.5ppg/6.5/5.5 a game while shooting it at 45% from the field. And while the superstar only averages 25.6ppg for his career, he is on a brief list of NBA greats averaging over 30ppg in multiple seasons.

James Harden also silenced his critics, who questioned his passing skill, as he dominated as a floor pass-first general with the Brooklyn Nets.

Mar 1, 2021; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) shoots in the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at the AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports.

Gilbert Arenas on guarding James Harden

NBA veteran Gilbert Arenas in a recent interview with ‘From The Vault’ commented on the thought of matching up with an apex point guard like Harden. Arenas was a prolific scorer, and a competent defender, as he earned 3 All-Star and All-NBA selections in his 11-year career.

Arenas said – “Imagine trying to guard James harden. Every play! I be mad- I would’ve hated to guard James Harden. I had to guard Eric Snow, Chris Paul, Jason Kidd, those guys were team offensive covers. They were superstars, but they were team offensive covers.”

Talking about James, Arenas said – “Every play he’s gonna come down the court, and he’s literally doing a bot move on you.”

Also Read – Nets’ Recent Record Is Proving James Harden Is Their Best Player; Not Kevin Durant or Kyrie Irving

Looking ahead, while many analysts have questioned Harden’s form come playoff time and his inability to carry a team to the promised land, with his latest franchise he doesn’t need to!

Watch this story – James Harden’s Whopping Car Collection And His Go-To Outfits

When one has bonafide offensive superstars like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving to bear the load of scoring and leadership, Harden had a stellar season as Brooklyn’s primary facilitator. He took on the challenge, executing the Nash-D’ Antoni system to perfection. And had it not been for injury, the Beard would have been en route to an NBA title this season.

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