tim's Rookie Profile: James Harden

[tim]

James Harden

College: Arizona State
Position: SG
Height: 6'5''
Weight: 218 lbs.
Date of Birth: 8/26/1989
NBA Comparison: Brandon Roy (less athletic)
2008-09 Stats: 20.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 48.9% FG, 35.6% 3FG, 75.6% FT

Key Strengths

* Triple threat offensively

* Great at getting to the free throw line

* Very efficient and consistent

* Willing to play defense

* High basketball IQ


Key Weaknesses

* Not very athletic

* Struggled in the tournament

* Possible limited upside

* Height and length potentially an issue


Outlook: Harden was seen by many as the second best American prospect in this draft before the draft. Throughout the season, he put up great numbers and made his teammates at Arizona St better in the process. His ability to shoot, drive to the hoop, or pass it to an open teammate made his offense deadly to defenders. And he was no slouch on defense either, making it very hard for slashers to get to the hole when he was on them. He made his way through the season as the Pac 10's best player, and ended up winning the conference's player of the year award. It was the tournament that would end up hurting him.

Harden has a rough conference tournament, then had a rough NCAA tournament after that. Despite his great play throughout the season, these games hurt his draft stock, putting him down as low as 10 in some mock drafts. But despite all this, Harden should make his way in the top 6, and has the potential to be an All Star down the road if he plays with the same toughness and skill he showed in college.

[deception]

the "not very athletic" knock was disproved by harden in the combine. apparently harden tested exceptionally well

[rocketeer]

height, length, and athleticism are not an issue with harden. he measured out at a legit 6'5+ in shoes with a 6'11 wingspan and tested to be a good athlete.

[anique_24]

I'm not too knowledgeable about NCAA conferences, but I'm kind of worried about Harden's efficiency scoring when guarded. His EFG% was very low compared to the other draft picks according to Hollinger's stats.