This the pinned comment.

The fact that Luka, at age 22, just finishing his 3rd year, is already being debated in the same breath of talent as Harden, is pretty impressive.

People underates Harden on his defense because they only remember the time when he never played defense. But if you watch the times that he did intentionally play defense, he was not just capable, he can play at an elite level defense when he wants to. This shows you his basketball IQ is Off the charts. He pays extra attention to details, and can put himself mentally in the head of his opponents because he know how to defend them. Just an example in this recent play off when he was NOT injured and he was left alone against Giannis, and he warded off his teammates, and took on the challenge by himself -- basically saying he does not need help, and guarded Giannis one on one. Giannis could NOT get passed Harden and was force to take a badly missed fade away. There are many examples of his defense, this Giannis one just came to mind.

The consistent argument against Luka is that he hasn’t made it out of the first round. 1. He has the highest creation BURDEN in the league with the exception of SGA from OKC (lottery team). 2. His 2nd best player wants to just pick and pop instead of using his 7’3” height to dominate the paint. He wants to be a stretch 5 on offense and 4 for defense. 3. Mavs employ the WORST center rotation in the NBA. Paul George literally called out KP’s rim protection by saying thats what sets Utah apart from Dallas. 4. Luka is a neutral defender with full effort. This team had a 119 ORTG with him on the floor and an 80 something with him off. But they were consistently a 124 DRTG regardless of Luka’s presence. Mavs dont play defense, thats the overlooked part here. 5. I understand the frustration of those that think people are crowning Luka early, but come on that series with the THAT talent gap should not be THAT close. 6. “Chokes in 4th quarters” Although his FT% was horrible, in no single game were missed FTs from Luka the reason for the loss. Luka was avging MJ numbers in 3 insane quarters of production. Even if you selectively slander his conditioning and 4th quarter production, you basically expect him to be someone and do something that has never been done. Anyone who plays basketball knows the exertion burden of shot creating every minute on the floor, its not purely the fault of his conditioning. 7. The most frustrating part is how well Mavs game planned and Luka executed the complete erasure of Zubac and Pat Bev while Ibaka went down with an injury. That should’ve gutted the Clipper depth, but the fact that it didn’t shows HOW DEEP that team is. Luka choked a “2-0 lead”. If only everything was so simple. Terance Mann, Reggie Jackson, and Nic Batum were HUGE in the series. Reggie was hitting Curry range dagger 3s, I couldn’t believe my eyes. In the 2 GSW vs HOU series, clearly the Warriors were loaded with starpower, but Houston had elite defensive personnel and better depth. Mavs needed to play Boban Marjanovic for 30 mins in Game 7. Name one other playoff team that would even think about playing Boban. All this might seem like excuses, but Luka has been one of the most consistent players I watch. Its the role players that need to step up because there is no 2nd star on this team. Game 7 Mavs - Clippers Luka 46pts/14asts on 17-30 shooting PG+Kawhi 50 pts/19asts on 15-30 shooting Rest of Mavs 55 pts on 20% from 3 Rest of Clips 76 pts on 53% from 3

I ain’t seen luka at no strip clubs 🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️

Harden rn but Luka when it’s set and done(Coming from a harden fan)

Luka imo, since they put up similar output in the Reg Season but Luka's stats actually get better in the playoffs and well for Harden... 💀

for me, harden doesnt have that killer instinct that Luka possess, and also he take defense for granted.

Harden last 4 PO series, 23 games (except the last one were he was injured) : 30.6 pts, 7.8 assist, 48% FG, The narrative of Harden chocking in PO is not true since a long time. I think Harden is better for his experience, he met avery kind of defense in his 11 years in the league.

Harden right now. Luka for the future for sure.

Hardin is amazing, but Luka is different he has that Super Saiyan level up thing when he gets pushed.

As a mavs fan seeing these takes gets me so hype we are so blessed

After reading these comments ive come to a conclusion that harden is underrated. If he retires now he’s an hall of famer.

It’s insane how similar they are. Both have patient pacing. Step back 3s. Solid playmaking. Solid rebounding for shooting guards. Hell both even have weight issues at the beginning to every season LOL. Id say Harden now is better, but Luka will be better all time, and he’s way more clutch.

Harden is better and we’ve simply seen him do more. Let’s be honest, harden is a former mvp, he’s averaged 36 points in the modern era, and he somehow looked even better this season playing a role we haven’t seen him play since maybe 2016-17. He’s still in his prime. I think he’s still a better scorer than Luka because of his 3 point scoring ability and playmaking wise he gives you about 80% of what Luka gives you imo. I’m a Luka fan, but I think recency bias makes this a debate more than anything, as Luka literally just dominated the Clippers in the playoffs. But still, Harden is better at raising a team’s floor (for now), he’s a better scorer, and his other aspects (like playmaking) are comparable to luka’s. With that being said I believe luka will be better than harden by the 2023 season (at least) as he improves his shooting, shot selection, and his all around game. I think Luka has the potential to be what James Harden could be if he was a better leader and a consistent playoff performer, which is one of the greatest players ever if he continues the trajectory he’s at.

Mustard I am really enjoying these player comparison videos

I think it’s really close , the difference being Luka’s intangibles. He just seems to rise to the occasion much more consistently than Harden, Luka is just a smarter player.

Kobe once said someone with a playstyle like Hardens can not win a ring, iso ball can never win a championship

Consistent quality content!!!

6:50 Bledsoe absurdly tries to contest Luka´s shot, hahaha

Luka is gonna be a huge part of the future of the nba

Luka plays good in the first round but that doesn’t compare to Harden playing vs the Warriors every year

Depends on how important the game is….. meaningless I’m going with Harden but if it’s a big game then I’ll take Luka because Harden will undoubtedly disappear

Dmitch vs Book if you haven’t done it yet, or KAT VS EMBIID

Thank you for not comparing Luka to another white dude. It’s clear that Harden is his closest comp.

Something I don’t think gets talked about enough is James hardens durability he consistently plays many minutes top in the league in minutes and over 75 games

They are very similar. Been saying since his draft that he’s more harden/ pierce than bird. Harden is far more efficient tho. Even with his extremely high volume in Houston.

I will give this one to ma boy Luka

I’m a huge harden fan, career wise it’s harden. Last season I would still take harden just because he carried the team without Kyrie and Kd to the 1st seed for a while. Next season though I do see Luka surpassing him.

There’s only 2 things that can slow down James Harden, the playoffs and the refs.

I'll say Luka is better than Harden when he plays at the level he's at for nearly a decade. Since harden was in a Houston Jersey (2013, Luka was 14!!!!) he was playing at an MVP level averaging 29.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 7.9 APG, and for those who love to say that "he doesn't play defense" 1.7 SPG!!!! On 44/36/86 Splits with averaging 19.6 shots per game. The sad thing is if Harden signs a extension with Brooklyn, and they stay healthy this isn't a convo because Hardens done everything except won a chip, what has Luka done? MVP? No. ASSIST TITLE? Hell no. 7 TIME ALL NBA? No. 3 time BACK-TO-BACK scoring titles? NEVER HAPPENING. Harden has averaged 36 PPG, grabbed an MVP, and theres always an arguement he should have more with his 4 2nd place finishes, and a 3rd place finish. Luka has been in the league for literally 3 years stop it bro. Harden is EASILY one of the most hated NBA players behind Lebron, KD, and Westbrook and this just shows. Luka great but he's not better than Harden.

This channel is so underrated

Gimme Luka all day

Since the comparison is between these two I'll give it to luka after this season. I think with the offensive create a foul rule change I believe hardens game will suffer tremendously if it's enforced correctly

Lmao this Harden hate 😂😂

I think harden is easily better right now...

Luka hands down. He's already a monster in the playoffs at 22 years old. Harden numbers always drop in the playoffs.

harden gets by in the regular season because his game is so iso and whistle-dependent....Luka is the king of slow, controlled basketball (maybe jokic, too) where he doesn't need to get free throws because he is always breaking through defenses even when not playing iso....you will often see luka inside the paint doing either genius pumpfakes or genius passes to nearby teammates who otherwise can't create their own shot....that's how you win tough basketball games....luka just needs a physical interior player to take attention away from him. porzingis, thj, bullock, kleber are all shooters. he needs a capela type player, one who will just physically eat up space. finney smith is a little too short and raw, and powell is very finesse for his size. luka, all day. less gimmicks, more pragmatism.

That clip where Caulie Stein falls down leaving Luka 1 on 2, and Luka going just "fuck it" and cooking 2 defenders is some of the funniest shit I've seen

Harden is top 4 and >> Luka by a decent margin rn. Luka will be around his level when he reaches his prime.

HARDEN all the way.

Harden for now but by the end of this season (2021-22) Luka will be clear

I was the 1k subscriber let’s go

Make this a Series

James Harden hands down and it's not even close!!! Luka was at a first round exit last year...

Let's say playmaking, defense is a tie (even though I think harden is better at both) Harden's a better scorer James Harden is better.

Ayyy u saw my comment in ur previous video😼

Its hard to compare and they are both insanely good in certain aspects of the game. Last season Harden impressed me cause he show he can adapt and play completely differently. He was mvp candidate in my book. Saying that I don't think he could do what Luka did with mavs, if they switched places I think nets would do same (well better since Harden was injured) but mavs would be worse since there is no KD or Kyrie for Harden to refer to so he will go back into his old selfish game. At least imo Luka improved his defense slightly in past 2 years, if he improves it some more and if he puts some serious work into his ft shooting than he will be better player. Right now its a tight race with Luka maybe edging little bit.

Luka Doncic is a better player; much better playoff performer as of now, a little less efficient of a scorer than Harden(Harden has free throw % by far), they're both streaky shooters, Harden also is limited offensively as he doesn't have a mid range jumper and his shot selection is NOT good, and he does turn the ball over a lot(like Luka). Harden is the better playmaker, but defensively they're pretty much even, maybe Harden slightly better. I was actually thinking about this comparison for awhile, but overall Luka is a better player imo due to his much superior playoff performance and similar scoring and playmaking and defense, even tho he wasn't good in the fourth quarters vs LAC. Doncic also has greater gravity than Harden. Harden has had way too many flameouts in the playoffs, and isn't conducive to winning as a number one option.

Luka isn’t better. For those bringing up playoffs, Luka hasn’t even won a playoff series yet. While harden has been to a nba finals and two wcfs.

I have to give it to Harden but it's worth noting that he's in his prime and Luka is 22.

Delete the video 😂 luka hasn’t passed the first round. You should be comparing him to guys like Trae young.

Harden better bro.. I love this series do more of them this is creative.. much love

Luka is better for now. Luka is the much better playoff performer and clutch also a defender then harden. Scoring u can give harden that including playmaking, rebounding is luka

It's night and day, Luka is on another planet so far in the mid-range area, not a small area of the floor to cede as Harden does against postseason defenses.

Rondo vs cp3 all time pls! Always debating with my good friend

I can’t believe a man that averaged 36 for a season not to mention 34 plus 3 straight season 32 straight 30 point games 23 50 point games 101 40 point games average and the first ever 60 point triple gets no respect like the records that harden hold is like stuff nobody did since Wilt chamberlain

Luka but it’s very close

Luka at 22 is already equals with Harden for me

With or without mustard ?

They are similar players in style and value but IMO it’s Harden all day. I feel as though if harden was still in Houston many more would feel that way but because he’s second to arguably the leagues best player people are underrating him. For a good 2 months there was legit argument that harden was the best player in the league. It was cap then and now but that shows how valuable he is. Also just watching the game whether it’s mavs, Nets or Houston prior, hardens game is more mature and efficient than lukas. Personally I feel as though everything luka does great Harden does better, more effiencent, and just flat out smoother cuz that man is COLD. Luka is coming tho cannot deny that ever

Tier 1- Lbj, Kd, Curry, kawhi, Giannas Tier 2- Harden, Luka, Jokic Tier 3- Embiid, AD, Dame Tier 4- Kyrie, Tatum, Mitchell, Butler, dbook, pg13

Is this a dumb question? Its Luca all day everyday dude carried hes team to the play off

Harden is the best.. because his better scorer than luka

James Harden. Only man in NBA History to throw an alley to two people at the same time.

5:17 are we sure Westbrook should have been the 2017 MVP?

How cool put looking Conchita over James harden

This aged well

Coming from a harden fan, after Luka having his second great playoff performance, it’s Luka (Honestly I think Luka and harden are 5th and 6th)

James harden is better around player then Luka

Harden is better, Luka will get better. Once Luka learns how to fundamentally navigate the game thru the season then and only the will he ascend. Basketball is about more than stats (Westbrook). There are moments within a game that determine wins and losses. LeBron is just finding that out, and Giannis just had that breakthrough oops upside my head moment

Don’t be forgetting that as a starter Harden is only behind MJ in ppg

How are you gonna say Luka is the only shot creator on his team when he has THE Boban Marjanovic? You Luka fanboys are taking it too far smh.

harden he’s better at pretty much everything

Spiderman pointing at spiderman

I'll take James thanks

LUKA IS A MORE VERSATILE JAMES HARDEN

We all new luka was gonna win 🤣

Has James Harden ever performed as well as Luka vs the Clippers in one playoff series?🤷🏾‍♂️

Higher ceiling for Luka + this season he was better only cuz Harden wasn’t available throughout this season due to injury & wanting a trade out that missed him a lot of games… other than that… they have a similar Play style & production… I will say there is a debate between these two 🏀

Thumbs down for putting an ad exactly before you give the answer

Harden is clearly the better player scorer and passer but Luka is right there he is a walking triple trouble but Harden has done something nobody has ever done and has scored a 60 point triple double but the one knock on Harden is his playoff flame outs where Luka elevates his game in the playoffs and if Luka can get out of the first round then that’s when we can say he’s better than Harden

Harden > luka but it’s not a large gap and I expect luka to overtake him very soon one or 2 seasons with rapid improvement and being such a young kid

🧢 some how he’s better than harden shooting under 73% from the line horrible from three & he does all James harden moves.

I think Mitchell is a better playoffs performer than harden

Get Tatum and booker next

For me there the 6th and 7th best players right now and I agree it’s super close like I probably say ones better then go change my mind a couple days later 😂😂 I do think Luka ceiling is higher but we’ll have to wait and see

Harden right now, but they’re not far apart

What does Luka do better than harden lol….nothing

Just compare when James was 22 to luka’s age 22 and see who’s better from that

Both Great players , I admit that, How they shoot the 3's is my problem and in general I just I don't like the way James Harden plays.

It seems like only a matter of time before it's Luka, but after seeing what Harden was able to become in Brooklyn I'd still have to go with him right now. The criticisms about Harden in the playoffs are incredibly valid, but it's not like Luka has won a series yet. His stats have been tremendous, but much like Jordan early is his career, I think he's going to have to learn how to play in a system rather than be the whole system to win.

I think the free throw shooting is what puts harden over the top a lil but it’s madddd fuckin close

If Ben Simmons didn’t have such a bad postseason people would be clowning him

For now it's James harden but maybe in the future Luka doncic

Harden wtf the disrespect !

LMFAOOOO

Luka is more efficient and still on his 3rd year is so impressive. Harden could NEVER carry his country in the Olympics

Young Mustard you should do Steph vs Dame

harden is the 3rd best 2 guard of all-time