James Harden has drawn plenty of criticism throughout the years. Despite being one of the best players in the NBA, people bash him for his lack of championships and for the way he forced a trade out of the Houston Rockets.
But, from a basketball standpoint, there’s no one who can deny that Harden is a unique talent, and I don’t mean from this generation. Harden is one of the greatest offensive juggernauts to ever lace them up.
If you don’t take our word for it, just ask Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler, who’s one of the best defenders in the league. Back in January 2020, Jimmy broke down Harden’s game and explained why he’s the most unstoppable scorer in the Association.
Jimmy Butler Explains What Makes James Harden The Most Unstoppable Scorer In The NBA
“Step-back. Floater. Euro step. He has so much in his package, and he’s always hitting tough shots,”Butler said. “His whole attack is built off that step-back. He hangs the ball out there and teases you with it, and then he waits for you to make a move.”
“He’s reading you,” Butler added. “Whatever you decide to do, he’s got a counter for it. Because if you give him too much space, he’s gonna take the step-back, and probably make it. If you get too close to him — if you try to get up into him and take the shot away — he’s either going to lean into you and draw a foul or blow right by you and take it to the basket.”
“He’s one of those guys you game plan for. Like you go into the game saying, ‘We’re not gonna let James drop 40 on us.’ And he still drops 40 on you. That’s the mark of an unstoppable player.I think if you asked multiple people who the most unstoppable player in the league is right now, it would be a toss-up between a healthy KD and [LeBron] James. But if you ask me? It’s James Harden, for the win,” Butler concluded.
Harden’s numbers may never be the same now that he’s sharing touches with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, but no one cantake away his talent. Hopefully, he’ll finally be able to win a ring to put an end to those narratives around him.