James Harden can be a little lax on defense (I am being kind), but he says he is a defensive stopper on Team USA for one simple reason.
He’s practicing against better players. Here is what he had to say via the Washington Post.
Surprisingly, Harden has earned praise from Coach Mike Krzyzewksi for his effort on defense, an end of the floor where he was so uninterested that a YouTube clip of his foibles making an honest effort caught steam last season. He has no choice on this team.
“First of all, you got the top players in the world on your team, so if you’re not focused and locked in on defense, they are going to embarrass you,” Harden said. “I think our coach has done a phenomenal job of making sure we’re keyed in. [Chicago Bulls Coach and Team USA assistant Tom] Thibodeau is phenomenal with that defensive presence, so all those things collectively is why I’m so locked in.”
I guess it is hard to be keyed in with just regular on 9-5 NBA teammates Here is a look at Harden’s greatest hits on defense when he isn’t “locked in”.