Kyrie Irving and James Harden are undeniable talents in today’s NBA, recognized as top-tier players though not fully embraced as all-time greats. Their unique styles and influence distinguish them from many peers, yet questions remain about what exactly separates them from legends and future Hall of Famers. Understanding their place involves examining the hierarchy among NBA players: legends and greats, superstars and MVP candidates, All-NBA team members, All-Stars, impactful starters, and key role players. Both Irving and Harden firmly belong within the superstar category, occupying a rare space where skill and impact meet intense scrutiny.
Insights from Daniel Theis: Experience with Kyrie and Harden
Daniel Theis, an experienced NBA veteran who joined the Boston Celtics in 2017, gained firsthand exposure to Kyrie Irving’s extraordinary dedication during his time in Beantown. Theis observed what differentiates superstars from good or average players, emphasizing hard work as a decisive factor. He recalled seeing Kyrie spend countless hours alone in the gym perfecting his finishing moves, relentlessly practicing dribbling and layups with both hands. This unseen grind highlights a critical element in developing elite talent, often overlooked by fans who see only the results on the court.
Theis elaborated on the relentless effort behind these skills:
I think what separates them from the good players in the NBA, or the average players, is really their work ethic,
and he added,
Like, when you see, I remember my first year with Kyrie. Everyone thinks he’s, obviously, it’s a God given talent, but all his finishes left, right. He worked on this every day. He stands in the gym by himself doing all these left-hand, top-of-the-backboard finishes, every day.
The Precision Behind Harden’s Signature Moves
Theis’s perspective extended beyond Kyrie to James Harden, focusing on the meticulous refinement of Harden’s signature step-back moves and floaters. Harden’s offensive arsenal is notable not only for its creativity but also for its adaptability. According to Theis, Harden doesn’t rely on just one go-to move; instead, he pairs it with counters and secondary techniques to maintain an advantage against defenders determined to limit his scoring.
The veteran explained:
James Harden, his stepping. He works on it a lot; his move is perfection. People try to take it away, he’s got the counter to it. To his floater that he had in Houston. So, I think that’s a part of it. They adjust to they have the one move, a counter, and a second move type,
illustrating the layers of Harden’s skill development that contribute to his success on the offensive end.
This specialization demonstrates how NBA stars forge signature moves that become their calling cards. Harden’s lethal step-back three-pointers create the separation he needs to score consistently, while Kyrie’s ball handling and layup skills give him unmatched finishing ability. Both players’ techniques are products of countless hours of relentless practice rather than innate talent alone.
The Work Behind the Stars’ Rise to Greatness
The notion that superstars are simply born with their abilities is challenged by the insights of those who have witnessed their efforts up close. Theis highlighted that players like Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum also dedicate extensive time to sharpening their crafts, especially on precise skills like shot release.
Reflecting on Tatum’s daily practice, Theis noted:
His release is high. You can’t block it,
emphasizing how extraordinary mechanics often come from deliberate and consistent training. This dedication to detail is a common thread among players aspiring to elite status in the league.
While Irving, Harden, and others may face criticism during late-season play or in moments when their performance fluctuates, it is crucial to recognize the foundation of effort that underpins their success. Their journeys to superstardom are filled with disciplined practice and continuous adjustments that separate them from average talents.
Why These Efforts Matter for Basketball’s Future
Understanding the depth of work behind Harden’s signature moves perfection and Kyrie’s advanced finishing sheds light on what it takes to compete at the highest levels of the NBA. These players exemplify how talent intertwined with relentless effort produces skills that can dominate games and captivate fans. As basketball evolves, future stars will likely follow this template, blending creativity with tireless practice to push the boundaries of excellence.
For now, the contributions and work ethic of players like James Harden, Kyrie Irving, and Jayson Tatum highlight the intense preparation behind their standout abilities, serving as a reminder that greatness is forged, not merely gifted.