Skip Bayless issues heap of praise for Rockets’ James Harden

Although Skip Bayless isn’t one to issue praise, he couldn’t help but do so while discussing Houston Rockets superstar James Harden.

FS1 analyst Skip Bayless is known as one of the most authentic voices in the media, as he isn’t afraid to feud with any athlete, regardless of their stature. Bayless criticized Houston Rockets star guard Russell Westbrook following the Rockets’ demise in Game 6 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, as he had a late-game turnover that proved to be costly.

Bayless has had a longstanding feud with Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, and recently sparked a presumably permanent back-and-forth with Portland Trail Blazers guard and 202 Bubble MVP Damian Lillard. Regardless of the sport, Bayless hasn’t backed down from any athlete, as he once had a memorable interview with NFL cornerback Richard Sherman, in which the two made it known that they didn’t like each other.

Bayless is an outspoken critic, which makes it newsworthy whenever he issues praise for a player. Case in point, Houston Rockets 2019-20 MVP finalist James Harden. On Tuesday, Bayless was on FS1’s Undisputed and made it clear where he stands on Harden’s rank among the all-time greats.

Skip Bayless gives praise to Rockets’ Harden

“James Harden can be, by all accounts, as unstoppable an offensive threat as we’ve ever seen, maybe in the history of the game. Is there a better one-on-one player than James Harden? I don’t think so.

You can argue ever on the perimeter. Michael Jordan was better, Kobe Bryant was better, full-court, but as a perimeter player, he’s just hard to deal with. Because he can do two things: he can step back and go right by you and lay it up with either hand. And he’s got great slither through the lane.”

Bayless made these comments while emphasizing the importance of the Rockets getting the ball to Harden during late-game situations, like the one they found themselves in during Game 6. With Game 7 coming up on Wednesday night, Harden will surely be featured, as he represents the Rockets’ best chance at advancing to the next round.

Harden has had his way against the Thunder, as he’s averaged 31.8 points and 7.8 assists per game, which are both series highs. Harden has also led all players in minutes per game, with 36.3 minutes during the series. Harden has posted a true shooting percentage of 63.9 percent, and a usage rate of 34 percent, which is also a series-high.

With the duel having now become a one-game series, the best player on the court may have his best effort in store, which should strike fear in the hearts of the Thunder.