Kevin McHale’s Shocking Comments of Harden’s ‘Excessive’ Dribbling Has NBA Fans Divided

The NBA has witnessed countless playing styles over the years, but few have been as polarizing and unconventional as that of James Harden. Known for his crafty footwork, heavy dribbling, and ability to score in isolation, Harden’s offensive game often divides fans and analysts alike. While many traditional coaches criticize his approach, former Houston Rockets head coach Kevin McHale stands firmly behind Harden’s style, highlighting that what truly matters is winning — no matter how many dribbles it takes.

James Harden’s Offensive Evolution: Mastering the Art of Dribbling

By the time James Harden arrived at the Houston Rockets, his offensive game was already impressive. However, it was with the Rockets that Harden elevated his skills to another level. His approach involved deceiving footwork, relentless dribbling, and a knack for drawing fouls. Harden became synonymous with a style of play that some deemed excessive but others saw as highly effective.

Despite Harden’s undeniable skill, many NBA traditionalists and coaches questioned the efficiency of his style. The concept of a player dribbling the ball for extended periods was often frowned upon, with a preference for quicker ball movement and team-oriented offense. Yet, Kevin McHale viewed Harden’s style as an asset, not a flaw.

Kevin McHale’s Bold Defense of Harden’s Style

Kevin McHale’s perspective on James Harden’s playing style is refreshingly straightforward. In an interview with Slam Magazine in 2018, McHale did not shy away from addressing criticisms of Harden’s dribbling-heavy approach.

He said, “James is one of those guys: the more he dribbles, the more comfortable he gets.” McHale recounted a playoff game where Harden scored 44 points, remarking that Harden had “seven or eight possessions where he dribbled it over 25 times himself.”

Then, humorously, McHale made a comparison that has since become a memorable quote: “Klay Thompson doesn’t dribble it 25 times in a month [laughs]. James gets into his thing and his one-on-one game. He draws fouls. He does stuff. Teams that have done the best against James have made him make quick decisions. They push up on him.”

McHale’s comments encapsulate the belief that Harden’s style, while unusual, is effective and difficult to stop. If the player’s game “isn’t broken,” McHale argues, there’s no reason to fix it.

Harden’s Statistical Dominance Under McHale’s Coaching

During Kevin McHale’s time as head coach, James Harden’s offensive numbers skyrocketed. Harden won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in his sixth season, averaging an impressive 30.4 points per game.

He didn’t stop there. Harden posted a career-high average of 36.1 points per game the following season and maintained an average of 34.3 points per game during the 2019-20 season. These numbers not only highlight Harden’s offensive prowess but also underline the success of his unique playing style.

Today, Harden holds the NBA record for the highest scoring average in a single season, a milestone that has cemented his legacy as one of the league’s most prolific scorers.

Kobe Bryant’s Endorsement: A Legend Defends The Beard

Harden’s unconventional style hasn’t just been supported by Kevin McHale. The late Kobe Bryant, one of the greatest scorers in NBA history, also praised Harden’s approach, despite widespread criticism.

Speaking about Harden, Kobe said, “I think what he is doing is brilliant.” He explained, “The true marker of brilliance is when people get tired talking about how brilliant it is and actually try to minimize it. He is doing it so often and it’s become a standard so people are tired of talking about him in superlatives. Now they are trying to minimize it and try to create a story out of that.”

Kobe further defended Harden by emphasizing the positive impact Harden has on his team: “James is playing at a ridiculously high level and he is helping his team win ball games with all the injuries they had.”

He concluded by dismissing the critics focusing on Harden’s style rather than his effectiveness: “People want to talk about the style of his play he is using, but that is irrelevant at this point.”

Harden’s Role Expansion: From Scorer to Playmaker

Over the years, James Harden has made efforts to diversify his game beyond just scoring. One significant shift was moving from the shooting guard position to becoming a full-time point guard. This transition allowed Harden to display his playmaking ability more prominently.

With the Philadelphia 76ers, Harden led the league in assists, showcasing his ability to run an offense and set up teammates. His ball-handling skills, once criticized as stalling the offense, became tools for both scoring and creating opportunities.

Harden’s unique blend of dribbling and playmaking continues to cause problems for defenders, proving that his style is not just for show but an effective way to control the game.

Why Harden’s Dribbling Works: A Tactical Breakdown

For many, Harden’s heavy dribbling may seem excessive or unnecessary. However, from a strategic standpoint, his dribbling serves multiple functions:

• Maintaining possession and controlling tempo: Harden’s dribbling lets him dictate the pace of the offense.

• Wearing down defenders: Constant dribbling forces defenders to expend energy and remain mentally engaged.

• Creating space: Harden’s footwork and dribbling enable him to create the separation needed to get clean shots.

• Drawing fouls: His ability to manipulate defenders into fouling has made him one of the most efficient free-throw shooters in the league.

Harden’s dribbling is, therefore, a fundamental part of his offensive arsenal.

The Ongoing Debate: A Style That Still Divides Fans

Despite the undeniable success and endorsements from NBA legends, Harden’s style still sparks debate. Critics argue that his excessive dribbling slows the game down and stifles team ball movement. Others question his defensive commitment.

Supporters, however, see Harden as a game-changer who redefined offensive basketball with a style that delivers consistent results. Harden’s ability to score at an elite level while controlling the game’s rhythm has made him one of the most valuable players in the league.

Conclusion: Kevin McHale’s Lasting Defense of James Harden’s Style

Kevin McHale’s defense of James Harden’s playing style underscores an essential truth in sports: effectiveness and results matter most. Harden’s dribbling-heavy, crafty offensive game may challenge traditional basketball norms, but it’s proven to be incredibly successful.

Backed by statistics, MVP awards, and endorsements from icons like Kobe Bryant, Harden has reshaped what it means to be an elite NBA scorer. As McHale humorously put it, “Klay Thompson doesn’t dribble it 25 times in a month—but James Harden does, and that’s why he’s so unstoppable.”

In the world of basketball, Harden’s career is a testament to innovation and the power of individual style to overcome conventions and redefine greatness.