idk if this has been covered but is James Harden's recent slump due to a lack of confidence in his haircut? Since we've known Harden, it seems like he's always been a 'faux hawk' guy. Perhaps someone got in his ear and told him that 'faux hawks' aren't in style anymore? Because there Harden was... January 3rd, playing at home against the Sixers, on prime time TV, a headband on and his hair in braids... 44 points, 13/24, 6/12, 12/12, 11 and 11. 5 TOs. A flawless performance. Rockets win. Next game. 1/8/2020. At Atlanta. Headband/braids. Harden sticks with it... 41 points. 9/34, 4/20, 19/23, 10 and 10. 8 TOs. Flawed performance. Rockets win, but game is closer than you'd like with a back to back. No Russ. 1/9/2020. At OKC. Russ's return. Headband/braids. 17 points. 5/17, 2/9, 5/5, 3 and 3. Blowout loss. Harden stinks. 1/11/2020. Minnesota. Headband/braids. 32 points. 8/17, 6/11, 10/13, 12 and 8. 11 TOs. Blowout win. Fun fact: After a particularly rough first quarter in which he had 5 turnovers and missed several free throws, Harden ditches the headband when he heads to the bench for his usual rest at the 2 minute mark in the quarter. He plays considerably better the rest of the game, including hitting his first three after ditching it. 1/14/2020. At Memphis. Braids, no headband. 41 points. 13/37, 5/19, 10/11, 6 and 6. 1 TO. Tough loss. Harden's effort wains, his one turnover is impressive but a little telling and he gets exploited/called out by Ja Morant on multiple occasions, is never quite able to respond. No Russ. 1/15/2020. Portland. Return of the faux hawk. 13 points. 3/12, 1/6, 6/8, 8 and 7. 2 TOs. Tough loss. Harden doubled often by the Blazers, couldn't find his rhythm. ESPN game. 1/18/2020. Lakers. Return of Headband/braids. 34 points. 8/20, 2/9, 16/19, 6 and 7. 6 TOs. Tough loss. Rockets up early, Lakers consistently double Harden in the second half and Rockets can't hit open shots. Saturday Night ABC game. 7 games. 3 wins. 4 losses. And a three game losing streak. I believe this recent Rockets slump, as well as the rut Harden is currently stuck in, all stems back to James Harden's haircut. He is lost and lacking confidence in his appearance and is in his head about it. This is why it is constantly changing, including during actual games. As a Rockets fan, James, I just want to say that I think you look great and the faux hawk has always looked cool on you. Don't second guess yourself. Just be you. I love you and I will defend you until the end.
Maybe instead of walking the ball up into a double team let someone else bring it up and get him in some off ball action to get easier shots and catch the defense in vulnerable positions.
Haircut is his tribute to Nipsey Hussle. Not sure when he passed, but it could have been around this time last year.
You betcha.. blood vessels and nerves vary from individual to individual.... His hair style might be pinching nerves and or blood vessels... This absolutely can affect the chemistry of his body function..
I just don't think he's interested in going supernova and burning out like last year when he knows this team doesn't have enough to contend. The double teams certainly don't help things either.
I'm not sure why he's getting tired when he doesn't move much. But anyway there really isn't any need for that high of a usage
He’s asked to create something like 60 points a night through strictly ISO. That’s why he gets tired.