There wasn’t a single move more discussed during the NBA season than James Harden’s stepback. During his incredible scoring run, Harden was absolutely abusing defenders with that step back, and blowing buy others who were trying to play to defend it.
Because of his innate ability to create space, Harden had the NBA’s single-highest scoring output since Michael Jordan back in the 85-86 season. However, that very step back that Harden was able to use to his advantage had many questioning whether the move was a travel as the awkward nature of the move appeared as if he was taking an extra step.
During a question and answer session with some young fans, Harden was asked about whether the move was a travel, and mentioned that he’s working on a new move for next season.
“This year, I’m going to come up with something more creative, and it’s gonna look like a travel but it’s not. Honestly. Even when I was on a tour, in Europe or China, or even when I’m here in the U.S., I see kids your guys’ age that are working on step-backs, working on moves, because it’s going to gain you an opportunity to be better than the rest of your peers. And that’s what I’m going for.
“So until they call it a travel, if they start calling it, I’ll continue to find ways and find ways to get creative and make my impact on the game.”
If the new move is anywhere as good as his step back, the NBA is going to be in for a rude awakening next season, especially with such a dynamic running mate in Russell Westbrook as his No. 2.
