Ever since the NBA implemented the new rule about ‘Non-Basketball Moves’ to draw fouls, James Harden became the center of attention around the league. Earlier in the season, fans criticized Harden who was arguably finding it hard to adjust to the new rule. However, as time progressed, the same fans have realized that it might be the referees who are getting too harsh on Harden.
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When the 2021-22 season began, Harden continued his old ways of trying to reach the free-throw line. Naturally, he could no more draw fouls and the officials easily turned a blind eye towards his challenges. But turns out, the veteran is arguably not getting his fouls called even on some genuine basketball plays.
NBA fans react to James Harden not getting calls on fouls
According to head coach Steve Nash, James Harden has become the “poster boy” for the recent rule change. And he is arguably right since even the fans have now observed that the officials might be hyperaware of what Harden is doing.
James Harden shook Gary Trent Jr. so hard that he backpedaled, so much so that he fell into Harden's arm. Refs, though, think Harden is hooking the arm and don't call a foul. Turnover, Harden. For no reason.
They call for other players chale. They’ve been calling for Spicy P in this game. They’re just picking sides man.That’s a foul if it’s a payer not named James Harden
HOW DO YOU NOT CALL THAT???? Such an obvious foul. James Harden is getting hammered out there
lol that new foul rule is doggin james harden so hard 😂😂😭 i believe in you!
The NBA told the refs to just completely stop calling fouls for Harden
That ain’t right how them refs handling James Harden.
Gotta think something's gonna change with the way Harden's getting officiated. Other refs are gonna see this and he'll start getting some of these calls again
The refs definitely got a group chat with all of them laughing at Harden getting fouled on the court. Gucci Mane doppelgänger ref in there having a good laugh 😭😭😭
These refs disrespecting James Harden now…
The Beard should read these tweets before his next outing because he finally has some support.
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What does this mean for Harden and the Brooklyn Nets?
Since fans have started to realize the harshness of the rule on James Harden, they might stop giving him the hate on social media. While Harden’s approach to the game was unphased due to the criticism, getting more support might improve his confidence. Notably, the 9x All-Star’s offensive output this season has been nowhere close to where he was at Houston.
However, this is majorly attributable to his change in role ever since he was traded to the Nets. Consequently, now Kevin Durant is the primary scorer whereas Harden is the primary playmaker and secondary source of offense.
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 5, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) talks with guard James Harden (13) during the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Nevertheless, as Harden slowly gets used to the new rule, it might actually be beneficial for him to not get foul calls as easily as he did. Since he is no longer a volume shooter like he was at Houston, he highly relies on his drive to the basket to score now.
Currently, the Nets guard is averaging only 17.7 points per game this season. If he does not get foul calls as often, he might transition back into his signature stepbacks from beyond the arc that will more likely increase his offensive output.
Do you think that the officials are being too harsh on Harden? Let us know what you think.
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