Houston Rockets star James Harden is the Van Gogh of basketball
He’s known for the beard. His defenders know him for the step back. An intimidating move. Hard to guard. We all know this. Even the two words, ” Don’t reach,” doesn’t always work.
James Harden symbolizes more than just the beard. He handles the rock like Van Gogh’s brush strokes on the canvas. A multitude of moves; a magician with the basketball; a work of art.
Three parts of the masterpiece. Three colors of his game. Three commonalities.
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Check this out. Vincent Van Gogh. A dutch post-impressionist, was one of the most iconic and influential figures in Western Art. That’s not a fallacy. Van Gogh was the man during his time. He was in his own league when it came to art. Harden has been the man in the NBA. He’s an artist by nature. In his own league. Impetuous moves. A work of art.
Exhilarating. Captivating. Eclectic. Three qualities of his art. Harden has separated himself from other NBA guards since he step foot in the league. Kevin Durant felt that energy back in OKC.
A work of art. Oklahoma City Thunder fans miss the beard. That’s where the masterpiece started. Years later, he became that guy. He has all the juice now in Houston.
Thirty-six points a game during the 2018-19 season? Let me say it again. Thirty-six points a night. Epic. Almost like a motion picture. Intimidating to watch. Harden is intimidating. Why? Ask everyone that guarded him last season. Everyone knew he had the sauce. Rockets fans knew it since day one. Check this out.
A between the leg dribble. Then, he hesitates. Freezes the defender. Step back. Money. Clock is at zero. Defender’s thought process is flying on a vacation to the Bahamas. An escapade that’s far from the move itself. No lemonade or palm trees.
Artists use paint brushes on a canvas; only difference is Harden has a basketball. An artist on the hardwood. A work of art.
Magicians normally use magic wands. Harden uses his instincts. Very instinctive. Why?
Rewind the tape back to January 23,2019. Sixty-one points at Madison Square Garden. Harden was a bucket versus the New York Knicks. The highlights are still available. Watch them. Judge for yourself.
Harden is a bucket. Obviously, the step back move sells tickets. What defense can stop it? A man-to-man defense? 2-3 zone? It doesn’t matter what you run against “ The Beard.”
Again, 36 points a night. That was last season’s average. What about the 2019-20 NBA season? Will it happen again?
James Harden is a bucket. A work of art. Van Gogh of the hardwood.