tim's Rookie Profile: James Harden

Discussion in 'Draft Prospects 2009' started by tim, Jun 1, 2009.

  1. tim

    tim Respect JPJ

    Joined:
    Jun 2, 2007
    Messages:
    1,893
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Location:
    Minnesota
    James Harden
    [​IMG]

    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.


    [video=youtube;ABw4d_sw1M0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABw4d_sw1M0[/video]
     
  2. deception

    deception JBB Banned Member

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2004
    Messages:
    4,233
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    38
    the "not very athletic" knock was disproved by harden in the combine. apparently harden tested exceptionally well
     
  3. rocketeer

    rocketeer Active Member

    Joined:
    Jul 29, 2003
    Messages:
    3,250
    Likes Received:
    20
    Trophy Points:
    38
    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.
     
  4. anique_24

    anique_24 Active Member

    Joined:
    May 22, 2009
    Messages:
    1,694
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Occupation:
    Still a student.
    Location:
    Philippines, Butuan City.
    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.
     

Share This Page