Rockets' Brewer: Harden will play defense this year

Corey Brewer couldn't hold back.

When the nine-year veteran was quizzed about James Harden's matador defense on a recent episode of ESPN's SportsNation, Brewer cracked up and issued a proclamation.

"I think this year he's going to play better defense. We're going to let the past be in the past. It's the future Rockets, man. James is going to play defense this year," he said.

Brewer wanted to shield his superstar, but he couldn't argue with the tape. The broadcast showed play after play in which a disinterested Harden flat-out refused to play defense.

But the roasting didn't stop there. The SportsNation crew moved on to a discussion of Harden's signature kicks, and again, Brewer couldn't resist.

"I can't even take one for my guy. That's an ugly shoe. (Laughing) But I think it might just be the prototype or something."