"Much as with Morey, Harden’s proponents want him praised like a top-tier player (he was named first-team All-NBA this season despite not playing a lick of defense), but never have him subjected to the scrutiny that comes along with the territory. There don’t seem to be many in the media who can discuss Morey or Harden objectively because they are too closely tied to a narrative that has usurped reality, one that has fostered a collective investment. During the first season after Morey “fleeced” Oklahoma City for Harden’s services, it was
the Thunder
who posted the best win total and win percentage in franchise history. Yet, the popular talking point was how much worse a team they were, how shortsighted their front office was, and how good and how smart Harden and Morey were. At this point, the majority of the press
have
to defend them, because they’re really defending their own assertions by extension."