A while back on Bill Simmons' podcast, Darryl Morey started talking about soccer analytics and his big claim was that focusing on ball possession is overrated. He stated that specific strategy only works for the best teams because they have the best players. Those players would be successful using any strategy and a more direct approach should be used. He felt the "best" strategy maximizes the number of quality scoring chances you create, because scoring wins games. The problem with that viewpoint is that it fails to capture something that is immeasurable. Ball control in soccer can slowly erode the moral and concentration of your opponent making it easier to break them in the most intense moments.
I think Morey (et al.) is making the same mistake with our Harden iso-dominated approach. Sharing the ball on the offensive end has the same effect that ball possession does in soccer. It demoralizes and confuses. It is the only way to win a championship unless you have a significant talent edge. Phil Jackson knew that, Pop knows it, unfortunately Kerr knows it, and hopefully the Rockets can learn it.
It is easy for Harden to be productive in this particular offensive system, but it lacks complexity. Harden is a really good player and he is still capable of winning a championship, but the TEAM needs to adopt a different approach. By making everyone participate on the offensive end you actually make the game easier for Harden and take the pressure off him.
Harden can learn to be great in any system. Stepback 3s and one-on-one will work great in the regular season, but intense playoff basketball requires a more balanced approach.