‘We gravitated to James’ – The key difference on the star name that outshone Steph Curry for the NBA’s next generation
Cam Thomas went bold on his James Harden take.
The 23-year-old shooting guard is part of a generation that has entered the league in recent years but also grew up watching current stars like Steph Curry and James Harden.
READ MORE NBA
"I think Steph really changed the way teams wanted to play the game of basketball, shooting the 3, moving around without the ball,"
Thomas went on to explain that Curry's influence was real but more to do with the approach of teams and their collective offence while Harden inspired the individual style of playing more.
Curry, who has four NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors, is associated with the increase in higher volume 3-point shooting teams now display and the increased ball movement before shots.
"I think Steph really changed the way teams around the league tried to play. James really changed the individual play. The isos, the handles, step-backs, the foul drawing, all that stuff."
The 23-year-old is not alone in his belief with Boston Celtics' legend Paul Pierce making similar claims.
"Everybody talks, they say Curry (is) the reason we play - I think a lot of the reason we play like this is James Harden,"
"Step-back threes, everybody going into their bag, and getting to their threes. That's James Harden, that's not Curry…"
Harden reacted to the take by admitting a number of younger players are trying more step-back threes but the former MVP also recognised his impact.
“I don't like to brag, I be very humble, but like, yeah, y'all see it,” Harden told reporters after a Clippers game last week.
“Every kid is trying to do step-backs, even, I don't want to talk about it... Because it's evident. It's right there.
"People are shooting step-backs. They're dribble-dribble step-backs. From little kids to y'all favorite player so it is what it is.”
Thomas ended the comparison by giving both players their plaudits stating that both have had an immeasurable impact on the league.
"James and Steph are the two for our generation," Thomas said. "For the young guys, they're the No. 1 and No. 2."
Thomas finished with a quip, thanking them for their impact but that their era in the league is over. saying
"Shoutout to those guys for changing the game, but it's our time now for sure."