James Harden isn't leaving MVP conversations anytime soon
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Today’s NBA, if nothing else, is a beautiful brand of basketball. We’re seeing the apex of coaching innovation being driven by numbers and a whole new range of skill sets from every position that we just didn’t have 20 years ago. Seven-foot ball handlerJames Harden isn't leaving MVP conversations anytime soon
Today’s NBA, if nothing else, is a beautiful brand of basketball. We’re seeing the apex of coaching innovation being driven by numbers and a whole new range of skill sets from every position that we just didn’t have 20 years ago. Seven-foot ball handlers and guys who can stroke it from beyond 30 feet with the confidence of Killmonger shouting about kings.An unfortunate takeaway from this newfound beauty is an ever-present debate about whether we should appreciate anyone who plays counter to what is considered the most aesthetically pleasing to the masses. For many, basketball is absolute, but for James Harden, nothing matters except the spatial relationship between himself and the closest defender — and that’s why he’s this year’s Most Valuable Player.It’s become fashionable to charge much of Harden’s success to his ability to draw contact when he gets into the lane. The criticism is less about how effective this strategy has become nor has it ever been about how efficient he’s become because of it; it’s beco Read more