Ex-San Antonio Spurs forward Bruce Bowen spoke to the San Antonio Express-News' Dan McCarney about a variety of topics, including Houston Rockets guard James Harden's work on the defensive end of the floor. Interestingly, the longtime stopper didn't give him a hard time, instead placing the blame on head coach Kevin McHale and his staff:
Speaking of defense, do you just cringe when you watch James Harden?
See, I don’t cringe, because I remember him in OKC. In fairness to James, yes, (his defense) has been terrible, but what are the principles in Houston? I’m very disappointed in their team concept. That’s what I don’t see. So, if there are no rules and regulations, how do you hold anyone accountable? Speaking to James about this, he’ll say it – “I know I have to do a better job.” But without any direction, without a coach saying, hey, we’re going to send this player baseline because that will be our best bet, it’s really tough. Defense is something you have to practice very day, especially rotations. We went over our rotations every day in all my eight years in San Antonio. You would think me, Tim, Tony and Manu all knew what we were supposed to do. But others don’t. They have to become as familiar as we were. That’s why I go back to principles. Go back to OKC and they’re playing the Lakers, he guarded Kobe pretty well. That’s why I say, what’s going on (in Houston) is about something else.
Hmm. Well, that's something to think about. Harden did indeed look much better as a defender with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and he even had his moments this summer with Team USA. Perhaps the Rockets aren't putting him in the position to be the best defender he can be.
But let's go back and watch the infamous video:
Yeah, no. I can't blame McHale for most of this. There are so many plays where Harden simply loses his concentration here. There are plays where his four teammates seem to be on the same page, while Harden guards absolutely nobody. Time and time again, he just watches the ball while his man gets open and scores. That's on him.
Here's as far as I'll go: It is Houston's responsibility to try to get the most out of its star player. The organization obviously knows Harden's defense is a problem. The whole NBA world knows that. McHale, his staff and his teammates need to be clear that last year's defense will not be acceptable going forward, no matter how many points he scores. Harden, though, is the only one who can really do something about it. Especially if he's meant to be one of the leaders of the team.
