Houston Rockets star James Harden has refined his stepback jumper to the point where he will arguably be synonymous with the move after he’s done playing.
The patented jumper is part of his legacy, and this season Harden has continued to put defenders on their heels with his mesmerizing pull-back dribbles.
According to ESPN’s Kirk Goldsberry, Harden has made the most stepback 3-pointers (195) in the NBA this season, with Luka Doncic and Damian Lillard rounding out the top three. Harden has the fourth-highest 3-point percentage on stepback jumpers, shooting 37% on those shots. Lillard, the league’s fifth-leading scorer, has the highest percentage at 42%.
Harden has been crafty with the stepback jumper the past few years, using the jumper to lull defenders. With his ball handling skills, he creates ample space for him to get his stepbacks off.
As the league’s leading scorer, Harden has a deep offensive arsenal. And while he has his version of it, other players have put their own spin on the move.
Doncic likes to execute his stepback from the top of the arc or near the left side of the floor. Lillard can pretty much pull it from anywhere, but one of his best areas is at the top of the arc.
The Rockets will play the Orlando Magic in Houston on Sunday at 7 p.m. EST.
