James Harden, Patrick Beverley
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Patrick Beverley, James Harden
Former NBA guard Patrick Beverley made a bold claim that Dwyane Wade is not even close to James Harden on the all-time shooting guard list. Beverley’s podcast is home to many of his controversial takes, but he spoke in depth about why he doesn’t think Wade should be argued above Harden historically. Most have Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant as the top two shooting guards with Wade and Harden next in line.
Beverley said the following about why Harden is clearly above Wade in his mind:
“You’re talking about a player that can score it—a player that can get to the free-throw line, a player that can pass it out of the pick-and-roll. A lot of people were going under on D-Wade pick-and-rolls. I ain’t gon’ front, you feel me? A lot of people were letting D-Wade have that.
Does D Wade have clutch gene? You absolutely right. Yes, at times have we seen D Wade being more clutch than James Harden? Yes, we have. But when you talk about a better player, like a better player, James Harden is a better player than Dwyane Wade.”
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Pat Bev says James Harden is a better player than Dwyane Wade, and it’s not really close 😳
“You’re talking about a player that can score it—a player that can get to the free-throw line, a player that can pass it out of the pick-and-roll. A lot of people were going under on
Beverley claimed that Harden’s overall offensive skills made him a better player than Wade. The former All-Defensive guard has talked about how hard it was for him to defend Harden. Beverley’s own history likely explains why he has so much respect for Harden over others.
Why This Comment Upset Dwyane Wade Fans
Wade is usually a more popular choice than Harden on the all-time list due to his overall success as a winner. Three Miami Heat NBA Championships, including an all-time great run in 2006 as a young rising star, have made Wade’s legacy reach a higher level as a champion.
On the other hand, Harden has a terrible playoff reputation and is arguably the biggest playoff under performer in league history. Most MVP level players play equal or better basketball in the big games, but Harden has gone the other way.
Beverley referenced this when trying to give respect to the other argument, but he tried to brush it off as a smaller point. Wade’s winning and Harden’s playoff shortcomings each getting invalidated made Beverley look less credible to many fans.
Why Pat Bev Deserves To Have His Opinion
Beverley spent time defending both guards in his playing career and clearly had a tougher time with Harden. Some of Beverley’s best seasons also came in the same backcourt with Harden when they played together on the Houston Rockets.
Bias is likely involved, but Beverley has reason to be biased for Harden as both a teammate and an opponent. The outspoken personality of Beverley saw him calling out players above him, like Russell Westbrook and LeBron James, during his playing career.
Beverley is likely just being honest that he views Harden above Wade, but some of his phrasing definitely comes off poorly. Winning is the most important thing in the NBA, and many fans will always argue for Wade and the legendary Jerry West above Harden on the all-time shooting guards list.