James Harden is an NBA enigma. Fans and players just can’t sort him out. Most casual fans will say they hate the way he “flops” and those inside the NBA just simply do not know how to guard him. In fact, Rick Carlisle called him the “hardest player in the NBA to guard,” and players have such respect for him that in Steph Curry’s first MVP season, the players chose him as their MVP.
Those inside the NBA cognoscenti understand the skill that is required for consistently drawing fouls. Attempting more than ten free throws per game, which James Harden has done in 4 different seasons, is not easily replicated. What fans see as an annoying byproduct of Harden’s game, the NBA acknowledges as the key attribute to his success. However, this doesn’t make them any less annoyed and befuddled by his foul drawing tactics. So, to hopefully end some of this confusion, I opened up James Harden’s bag of tricks.
Arm grab coming off a screen
This move usually comes off of a high screen where the defender is attempting to go over the top by sticking their arm past the screener. When Harden feels the contact on him, he locks arms with the defender. This keeps the apparent contact in place while he immediately goes into his shooting motion. This is effective because it keeps the appearance of the defender hitting his arm while he is attempting to shoot.
Arm grab driving into the lane
Harden likes to make a similar move as the arm grab coming off a screen. Instead, this is when he is attempting to drive in for a layup. When a defender puts their arm on him, he will put his left or right hand up like he is flexing. This locks the defenders hand right on his arm. He then immediately “flops” by flinging his other arm into the air accentuating the contact. He then usually gives the ref a face like he just told him they stopped serving breakfast after 11.
Arms out while driving into the lane
The most noted foul drawing move by Harden is the arms out trick. Sometimes, instead of looking specifically for a layup, he goes fishing. He does this by running into the lane, arms completely straight, while euro stepping until someone takes the bait and swipes at his arms. This is instinctual for defenders. When they see the ball so easy for the taking they cannot help but swipe at it. It is a shiny lure that Harden will happily drop into the water.
Rookie abuse
James Harden’s eyes light up when he sees a young defender on him. They often turn into ultra light beams when it is in the last few minutes of a quarter. Harden loves to lure these rookies by being grandiose about his dribbling. This causes the rookies to usually get antsy until finally, they reach for the ever tempting in and out dribbles on the drive or from 3pt range
Young players often reach during screens, as well, causing easily drawn fouls for Harden. It is “you reach I teach” in the craftiest way possible.
The screen stop
This move is fairly common in the NBA. Coming off a screen with the defender trailing behind, Harden likes to make a complete stop which then causes the defender to run into him. When the defender does, he flings his body awkwardly into the air while chucking the ball causing a shooting foul. When the defender does not commit this costly mistake, Harden is still able to capitalize by keeping the defender behind him. This allows him to take his time while inching closer and closer to the basket. The move also makes the help defender have to decide between stopping the lob to the big man or guarding Harden’s floater. He usually makes the right decision.
Harden stops at the top of the screen on this play, but Danny Green does a good job by not running into him. He makes him pay anyway.
All of these tricks are used for James Harden’s most profitable trade. He is the best foul drawer in the NBA, and it’s not just because of superstar calls or dramatics, at least not all the time. Knowing exactly when to employ each tactic is paramount to his offensive skill set. So, while it may be unpopular among fans and annoying to most players, it is one of the main reasons for Harden’s greatness.
