James Harden’s defense is embarrassingly pathetic (Video)

There’s no doubt that Houston Rockets guard James Harden is among the best in the NBA when it comes to scoring.

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However, when it comes to talent on the defensive side of the ball, it’s safe to say James Harden is lacking the needed skills. Hell, he’s just lacking the needed effort.

For those who’ve seen James Harden play defense before (better chance of seeing a living dinosaur), he’s not exactly gifted. His feet are slow and his rotation is poor. But there are plenty of players who are in the NBA that are bad on the defensive end and simply give effort.

Sure, their man may blow past them but at least they give chase and are in position to make a play if something was to happen. Not James Harden though as the Houston Rocket’s guard wanted no part of playing defense during USA Basketball’s victory over Turkey on Sunday evening.

With Team USA only up by three-points in the second half, Harden was atop the key and in position to cut off the lane of the driving defender. His next move couldn’t have been spelled out anymore clearly, though the former Arizona State star literally just watched him penetrate the defense with no concern.

Yikes. It’s one thing of Team USA was winning by 30 or 40 points, but in a game only separated by a single possession? Embarrassing.

Hopefully Harden’s woeful defense won’t impact the Houston Rockets too much this season, though if he continues to give that type of effort, there’s understandable reason to be concerned.