Rising up in Los Angeles, Harden says he studied three central influences who “shaped me into who I’m”: Kobe Bryant for his dynamism; Paul Pierce for his physicality, stepbacks, and midrange jumpers; and Manu Ginobili—a fellow lefty—for his downhill drives, aspect steps, and twisting finishes on the rim. He’s nonetheless watching. Harden’s off-court status could also be characterised by tales of late nights, however individuals near him say he isn’t credited sufficient for a way a lot, and the way carefully, he research basketball. Throughout Clippers bus rides, Harden has been identified to discover a teammate or staffer watching one other sport on their cellphone and peer over their shoulder, commenting on what he’s seeing. It has helped him construct a reminiscence financial institution of opponent tendencies, which has helped Harden grow to be a trusted submit defender, particularly. One longtime league expertise evaluator believes that solely Chris Paul is as adept at saving a possession by figuring out the place an opponent will place the ball, then stripping it. -via The Ringer / April 20, 2024
