shakespeare wrote:Dcap. You quoted a salty ex-coach, the same man who blamed Harden for his firing?
Really?
Absolutely shakes! The article was the type of thing I look to get more info from than a subjective, planned interview type of thing. I get where McHale is coming from and I weight that part out. What I get from this type of thing is the real, behind the scenes look at what is happening, albeit from a singular perspective.
shakes, we are probably splitting hairs about this. One of the reasons I asked for your definition was specifically to try and understand where a guy like Harden would fit in your world. Let me say this, I REALLY like Harden so don't take anything I say as a shot at him, not at all.
In reference to the second article you posted, I saw that also. TBH, I think it equally supports the points I was trying to make. I am not saying Harden is not a "leader", he is just not an "alpha" type in the mold that you defined. I have always thought of Harden as a lead by example type and sure enough in your article:
"Chris leads by talking and James leads by example," said Rockets guard Bobby Brown, a longtime friend of both. "When you have that, when you have both of them, it's definitely good for our team. James brings it every night. You have CP who brings it and he's telling people what to do. We were just talking about that. 'Man, you're always talking.' But that's his personality. That's how he leads.
To me, that IS a leader but not an alpha.
Harden speaking about himself:
"There's different types of leaders," Harden said. "I've always been a leader with my work ethic, just becoming more comfortable communicating and being a vocal leader, and knowing the guys you're leading, knowing what's around you. Then, it's just going out of my way a lot more than I always had. It's one thing to show the person, but it's also going out there making sure the person feels they're loved, that they feel welcome at all times.
"Some people, they just don't have the qualities of being a leader, whether you are younger or older. Some do. When you are young and have those qualities, you can build on them. I got better every single year at that. I still have a long way to go."
Says it all. He is a type of leader, for sure. Just not the alpha type.
- Me being the resident optimist around this cesspool of doom and gloom, StevoStarks, circa 2019
