James Harden seems to have forgotten about the latest rule change in NBA’s foul calling. Fans cannot believe that the former MVP is still sticking to his old ways of drawing fouls. Nets’ head coach Steve Nash feels that officials have become hyperaware of Harden ever since the rule change. However, Harden is taking some time to adjust to the new ways. Hence, the fans are criticizing him.
In the game against the Pacers, Harden has been trying to use his old tactics to draw fouls. And since the officials are not giving him the foul calls, the resulting turnovers are severely harming the Nets. Therefore, fans are fuming on Twitter and blaming Harden for an unimpressive start to the game.
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Fans react to James Harden failing to adjust to the rule change
open season on mauling James Harden right now. pic.twitter.com/CEJphfgNa2
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) October 30, 2021
NBA rookies who Grew up Watching James Harden Mixtapes pic.twitter.com/ZgwgptcoUD
— jlacy (@Jlacy14_) October 29, 2021
What the hell is Harden doing? He just had back to back turnovers a moment before this too.
Brother… have some self awareness. pic.twitter.com/2ZLeKnDA2t
— Jason Timpf (@_JasonLT) October 29, 2021
At some point Harden just gotta play straight up. Whether he’s getting played out of whistles or not, you gotta hoop.
— KENNY BEECHAM (@KOT4Q) October 29, 2021
James Harden lately pic.twitter.com/4bVgGeVyBZ
— Lan w the plan ❄️ (@lanxebec) October 30, 2021
James Harden going to quit the NBA by Christmas huh?
— Tanner Martin (@TanMart03) October 30, 2021
James Harden gotta change his whole game, shit hilarious
— VP of Wu Tang Financial (@BarbChairScott) October 30, 2021
I don’t think there’s a single thing in life that brings me more joy than seeing James Harden fail
— R.J. (@KobeBeanBurner_) October 30, 2021
James Harden is suffering
— surewhynot (@im_aumyrrh) October 30, 2021
"THAT'S A FOUL!"
James Harden continues to have a tough time with this season's officiating😬 pic.twitter.com/PTksnsdJsr
— PointsBet Sportsbook (@PointsBetUSA) October 30, 2021
What does this mean for Harden and the Brooklyn Nets?
While Harden is still contributing significantly on the offensive end, his turnovers are potentially harming the Nets. Since the Nets currently hold a slim lead at the end of the second quarter, they should not be worried. However, if Harden does not quickly adjust to the new rules, his turnovers will severely the Nets’ offense.
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Being an MVP caliber player, Harden should ideally not take a lot of time to adjust to the rule change. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that he is the “poster boy” of the recent rule change.
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Several experts questioned whether Harden could cover for the absence of Kyrie Irving. With his all-around performance in the first half, he is certainly proving the critics wrong so far. He is not burdening Kevin Durant to carry the offense of the team and has ended the first half as the leading scorer for the Nets.
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However, will he be able to maintain consistency considering he no longer has the seemingly easy fouls to reach the free-throw line?
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