Dwight Howard "Very Impressed" That James Harden Is Playing Defense

Houston Rockets All-Star James Harden is arguably best shooting guard in the NBA today, but he's been the punchline of many jokes amongst fans for his apparent lack of interest in playing defense.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVYJULACcao

His teammate Dwight Howard, who is a three-time winner of the Defensive Player of the Year award, has praised Harden's defensive effort so far this season.

Dwight Howard says he's very impressed by the "fire"he's seen from James Harden when he's playing defense.

— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) November 14, 2014

Harden has proven to be a capable defender when he wants to be and played well on that end of the floor for Team USA in the FIBA World Cup this summer, but the effort hasn't always been there in the past.

He's averaging 25.1 ppg, 7.5 apg, 6.4 rpg, 1.6 spg, and a career-high 1.0 bpg so far this season while leading the Rockets to a 7-1 record.