Luka Doncic and James Harden are two of the best individual players in the NBA. But are they the best role models to follow? One former star says no…
Former Boston Celtics player Isaiah Thomas has sent a message to aspiring basketball stars – Don’t try and be like Luka Doncic and James Harden.
Two-times All-Star Thomas argues that the LA Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers stars are so unique that their dribbling skills are too difficult to emulate.
Instead he urges the pair to focus on their shooting, and being able to pass and move.
Thomas posted on X: “I see many kids working out like a PRO when there’s no need for it right now. Hella dribbles, hella isolation stuff like your Luka or James Harden at the top of the key. Ain’t nobody playing like that. Work on catch & shoot. Catch & drive. Catch & pass & get it back. It TRANSLATES!”
Past or present, you can only watch ONE basketball player’s highlights for the next year, who are you picking?
Jamal Crawford asked this question on X today, and it’s a tough one…
Luka Doncic and James Harden also share unwanted statistic
Luka Doncic and James Harden have undoubtedly been two of the best players in the NBA over the past decade, and are two of the most entertaining to watch.
Doncic averages 29.2 points per game across his career and Harden 24.0. They are productive, skilful, and winners.
But they have also each come up short in their quests to win the NBA Championship – never winning the title.
Doncic reached the NBA Finals in 2024 with the Dallas Mavericks, while Harden has not been back to the Finals since 2012 with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Is the reason for failing to win a ring a stylistic reason? Or is that just coincidental?
Thomas believes that tomorrow’s NBA prospects are better served not trying to replicate Harden or Doncic, and there is probably good reason for this – it is just not that easy to do what either player do at such a high level.
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