On the Gils Arena show, Rashad McCants stirred up the basketball community by selecting James Harden over Dwyane Wade as the fourth greatest shooting guard of all time, behind Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Allen Iverson. McCants provided a compelling argument to justify his controversial choice, highlighting Harden’s extraordinary scoring prowess and unique playing style.
“What stands out the most about James Harden is averaging 40 points a game for 40 games. I think that was the most dynamic in 2019. I believe he averaged 40 a game for 40 games we never seen anything like that in our era and the way he was doing it regardless of how you feel about it, getting 50, 15, and 12.”
“He covered the board when it came down to it and top five. I definitely got to say you know when it’s Kobe, Mike, AI and then there’s always the conversation between him and D Wade.”
“You know with those stats alone 40 a game from for 40 games, you got to put him in front of D Wade. As crazy and as dynamic as D Wade was he just wasn’t a volume as a scorer as James is and like Gil said he created his own little lane that you couldn’t really mimic.”
“It was his own thing his own creation so, I think he’s definitely in the top five, put him right at four.” (2:13)
McCants emphasized the significance of Harden’s scoring achievements, noting that his ability to maintain such high numbers over an extended period set him apart. Harden’s 2019 season was indeed remarkable, as he consistently put up staggering numbers that left fans and analysts in awe. This feat, McCants argued, was unparalleled in recent history and showcased Harden’s dominance as a scorer.
McCants acknowledged Wade’s incredible career and his dynamic play style but pointed out that Wade did not exhibit the same level of scoring volume that Harden achieved. Harden’s ability to carve out a unique style of play, one that is difficult to replicate, further solidified his place in McCants’ top five shooting guards.
This comparison between Harden and Wade is likely to ignite debates among basketball enthusiasts, as both players have left indelible marks on the game. However, McCants’ reasoning highlights the different aspects of their careers, ultimately favoring Harden’s unprecedented scoring runs and innovative playing style.
James Harden’s Scoring Streak Doesn’t Put Him Over Dwyane Wade
While James Harden’s scoring prowess is undeniable, his impressive statistics don’t necessarily place him above Dwyane Wade in the hierarchy of all-time great shooting guards. Harden’s regular season accomplishments, including averaging over 29 points per game for five seasons and surpassing 30 points per game in three of those seasons, showcase his offensive brilliance.
However, scoring alone doesn’t equate to overall greatness, especially when considering postseason performance and intangibles that contribute to winning championships.
Harden’s playoff history is marred by notable failures in crucial moments. Despite his regular season dominance, Harden has struggled to translate his success into deep playoff runs.
His infamous playoff collapses, such as his poor performance in Game 6 of the 2017 Western Conference Semifinals against the San Antonio Spurs, highlight his inability to maintain his regular season form under the intense pressure of the postseason. These playoff shortcomings cast a shadow over his otherwise stellar career and raised questions about his ability to lead a team to a championship.
One glaring statistic is that Harden holds the record for the most playoff games shooting below 25% from the field with at least 10 field goal attempts in the last 50 years. Harden has recorded 20 such games, which underscores his struggles in high-pressure playoff situations. This record starkly contrasts with the consistency and reliability expected from a player of his caliber during critical moments.
In contrast, Dwyane Wade’s career is defined by his success on the biggest stages. Wade won an NBA championship and Finals MVP at the age of 24, leading the Miami Heat to victory alongside Shaquille O’Neal in 2006.
Wade’s performances in the Finals were nothing short of legendary, as he carried the Heat with his clutch scoring, tenacious defense, and leadership. Wade’s ability to rise to the occasion in the most critical moments sets him apart from Harden.
Moreover, Wade’s overall game extended beyond scoring. His defensive prowess, playmaking ability, and leadership qualities contributed significantly to his team’s success. Wade’s three NBA championships and his pivotal role in each of those title runs underscore his impact on winning at the highest level.
While Harden’s scoring feats are impressive, they don’t eclipse Wade’s comprehensive resume which includes both individual accolades and team success. Wade’s ability to perform under pressure, coupled with his contributions to multiple championships, solidifies his position as one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history, arguably ahead of Harden.
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