At a New York event for the launch of NBA2K15, James Harden said he considers himself the best "all-around basketball player" in the NBA.
This statement sparked a lot of discussion, because Harden has the reputation as a notoriously bad defensive player. At this point, we do not know whether Harden has the capacity to be a great defender. The effort just hasn't been there at any point since he moved to the Houston Rockets and assumed the brunt of the offensive load.
MORE: Train like Stephen Curry | Team USA roster | Summer Conversation
Now, on the offensive end, Harden could have a legitimate argument, if not for LeBron James. But aside from James and Kevin Durant, the league's two best players by a wide margin, Harden has more tools at his disposal than most.
Harden's surface numbers of 25.4 points, 6.1 assists and 4.7 rebounds are impressive. Deep a little diver into Harden's approach and you'll unearth further signs of his versatility. Harden, who essentially serves as a point guard, shot 45.6 percent from the field, hit 36.6 percent of 3-point attempts and made it to the free-throw line 9.1 times per game.
So, in short, it's the "all-around" assertion that has brought about critiques of Harden's game. At the same time, there's a certain level of obviousness attached. Harden first called himself the NBA's best player in a Q&A with ESPN.com's Scoop Jackson, but the second time it was done on stage with fellow stars. Durant, Anthony Davis and Stephen Curry, who said his offensive game was superior to James', were all there.
When Harden called himself the best and went on to complement each player on the stage with him, there was no real uproar in the room or on the stage. Players understand that confidence is needed to play at the highest level and compete against the best players. If Harden is to truly lead the Rockets, he must think he's the best player on the court. Playing some defense wouldn't hurt, either.