James Harden in the two seasons from 18-19 and 19-20 averaged 35/7/8 across 146 games. He led the league in winshares during the span with 28.3.
While often labelled as a playoff under-performer, he also averaged 31/7/6 on 60% TS in the playoffs during this span.
His peak was truly remarkable and it’s a shame he only won a single MVP during his offensive prime.
Just to put things in perspective, Giannis who won two MVPs averaged 28/13/6 on 63% TS in the regular season during that span and 26/13/5 in the playoffs on 58% TS.
| Player | Regular Season | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|
| Harden (18-20) | 35/7/8 - 62% TS | 31/7/6 - 60% TS |
| Giannis (18-20) | 28/13/6 - 63% TS | 26/13/5 - 58% TS |
When you state shit like this, you completely miss why Harden was labeled as a playoff underperformer.
He has always been a volatile player come playoff time. Dominant highs and pathetic lows.
He’s still the only superstar I’ve ever seen that got benched in a 4th quarter of an elimination game. He has many, many big chokes in key moments that stand out in his career. And unfortunately for him, his low points outshine his high points.
Harden is a generational offensive talent, but his incompetent and low-effort defense, and numerous low points in his playoff career tarnish what should be considered as one of the legendary careers of the modern game.
And frankly, he’s changed his game in his twilight after losing his speed/athleticism to continue being an effective point guard (unlike Russ, whose career predictably fell of a cliff after his athleticism waned).