James Harden is having one of the best scoring seasons in the history of the modern NBA. But according to Kobe Bryant, that will have to change if the Houston Rockets are to win a championship.
In an interview with Rachel Nichols for ESPN’s “The Jump,” Bryant said that Harden’s season has been “absolutely remarkable” and praised him for keeping his team in the mix. But he clearly doesn’t see it leading to postseason success.
Kobe Bryant believes James Harden and the Rockets won't win a championship with the style of play we're seeing on his scoring tear. (via @Rachel__Nichols) pic.twitter.com/RQvdHPvpJw
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 4, 2019
“I’m not a fan of it in terms of winning championships. I don’t think that style is ever going to win championships. But at the same time, you have to keep your team’s head above water to win games. You have to do what you have to do to win games. And he’s doing that. … This style of play won’t win. Not when you have one player dominating the ball.”
It’s certainly easy to laugh when we consider the source. Bryant was one of the most ball dominant NBA players of all-time. So, we have to overlook that. But when we overlook who’s saying it and focus on what’s actually being said, Kobe is spot on.
As good as Harden has been, the Rockets have definitely not thrived this season. Entering Monday, Houston is only 30-22. That’s good enough for only the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference.
Kobe did win five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. But when he was dominating the ball the most, Bryant’s teams weren’t enjoying a lot of team success. That came early with Shaquille O’Neal and later with Pau Gasol. Both made the Los Angeles offense far less predictable.
Kobe also noted that when Chris Paul, who recently returned from a long injury, gets more acclimated, the Rockets will have a better chance.
But until that happens, his point is hard to argue with.