James Harden

[BalancedMan]

Looks like he is that athletic, and I think he'll be similar to Brandon Roy. Let's not forget that he started his freshman year when he was only 17, so he's a young Sophomore at that.

Via Draft Express:

-James Harden tested out far better than anyone could have expected, which will likely cause teams to pay keener attention to his athleticism in competitive workouts. Harden’s 37” max vert tied him with a player than many consider one of the best athletes at the wing position in this draft in Terrence Williams, and had his 31.5” no step vert bettered him by a full inch. This is a clear case of a player testing well above the level teams project him at. The best example of that is in Harden’s 11.10 lane agility time, which is only .01 seconds behind the time posted by arguably the quickest point guard in the NBA, Chris Paul. Harden also showed good strength on the bench, throwing up 17 reps, but also recording the highest body fat percentage amongst wings with 10.1%.

Those tossing around Brandon Roy comparisons were likely surprised by Harden’s speed and strength, Harden topped the Trailblazers franchise player by 11 reps on the bench and beat him by .14 seconds in the ¾ court sprint. However, Roy out-jumped Harden considerably, posting a 40+” max vert three years ago.

I would be down to pair him in the backcourt with Roy, but I figure he'll go Top-5 so it's very unlikely at this point.

 

[Nikolokolus]

He's creative with the ball, but he's still a shooting guard when it comes to playing defense. I like him, but he's a bad fit with the Blazers as currently constructed.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Looks like he is that athletic, and I think he'll be similar to Brandon Roy. Let's not forget that he started his freshman year when he was only 17, so he's a young Sophomore at that.

Via Draft Express:




I would be down to pair him in the backcourt with Roy, but I figure he'll go Top-5 so it's very unlikely at this point.

So Harden is a PG? Because Brandon isn't one.

 

[Crimson the Cat]

Test that. Test this. I saw what I needed to see with his play in February and March. Overrated IMO.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

He'll be more Jim Jackson than Brandon Roy in the NBA.

 

[Mediocre Man]

He'll be more Jim Jackson than Brandon Roy in the NBA.

If you take out the last 3 years of Jackson's career where he was a glorified practice player I think any NBA team would be ecstatic to get that.

15.5 ppg
5.0 rpg
3.5 apg

Roy's career so far

20.0
4.5
5.0

Jackson's vs Roy's first 3 years

JJ 16.3 ppg/4.4 rpg/4.7 apg
BR 16.8 ppg/4.4 rpg/4.0 apg


JJ 19.2/4.4/4.6
BR19.1/4.7.5.8


JJ 25.7/5.1/3.7
BR 22.6/4.7/5.1



To me their careers look really close so far.

 

[RickyRubio]

JJ was pretty good! I would take a gamble on Harden. But I wouldn't trade the world to get to a pick to get him.

 

[MrJayremmie]

Harden is one of the 3 players in this draft that I think will be pretty good, and i'd pick him 3rd.

Griffon, Rubio, Harden would be my top 3 and then I think its a major drop off. From those, Rubio is the only one i'd want for the blazers, but don't think that is going to happen.

 

[cloudydays]

funny that Roy also surprised alot of people with his pre draft workouts.

 

[Minstrel]

Harden is one of the 3 players in this draft that I think will be pretty good, and i'd pick him 3rd.

Griffon, Rubio, Harden would be my top 3 and then I think its a major drop off. From those, Rubio is the only one i'd want for the blazers, but don't think that is going to happen.

Heh, those are my thoughts exactly. I'm intrigued by Harden's talent, but I don't really see him fitting in on a Portland team stacked with young talent on the wing.

 

[MickZagger]

He reminds me a lot of Delonte West. Combo guard who is more effective when playing the off guard.