It must be tiresome to shoulder the scoring burden of an injury-plagued team, put up 40 points a night, and be widely criticized for playing the wrong way. That has been the life of Houston Rockets guard James Harden for the better part of two months now. Having led his team to a 21-10 record through 31 consecutive games of scoring at least 30 points, Harden has become the subject of disapproval from his peers.

In Wednesday’s edition of The Hoop Collective podcast, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst shared that several players around the league are fed up with Harden’s style of play, in particular, with how it is handled by NBA officials.

And then I can just say, off the record, again, nobody’s saying this guy stinks. They all recognize he’s awesome, but there is a real irritation with at least a segment. I can’t say everybody, but at least a segment of players who are irritated that they think he gets away with traveling, and they think that he gets away with foul baiting, and they don’t like that he plays such isolation. And, (Tim) MacMahon, Harden, he’s a little bit sensitive about this. He was a little bit sensitive in an interview with Rachel Nichols, in a sit-down. And then I can just tell you, I went to his interview session and he was sensitive about it at his interview session at All-Star, too.

It’s understandable that opponents would be frustrated by Harden if there is a perceived disparity in treatment from the referees. Harden occasionally gets away with violations as many superstars do. It’s folly not to acknowledge this. But that is not what makes him so un-guardable. Take away free throws entirely, if you like, and Harden still boasts a top-10 scoring average. He leads the league in points off free throws, points off drives, and points off three-pointers.

And that is why he’s been knocked, both by unnamed active players and retired veterans like Kobe Bryant and Scottie Pippen. He plays a style of basketball that has been necessary for his team to win games, but one that is unattractive to onlookers expecting synchronization, cohesion and movement.

Of course Harden is sensitive about this criticism. He is asked to do the impossible night in and night out, and he does it. The scoring streak has been historic and, somehow, remarkably thankless at the same time.

ESPN’s Tim MacMahon added that the Rockets organization is also sensitive to critique. No other player has done what he’s doing to such an indignant response, and there is no telling how much longer Harden will need to play this way.

Starting center Clint Capela is anticipated to return from thumb surgery on Thursday against the Los Angeles Lakers. Once Houston has a fully healthy lineup, Harden might not need to carry the team as he has since December. Regardless, his game will cause irritation, and that is something that both he and opponents will have to live with. But at least the chatter surrounding it may quiet in time.