James Harden #13 SG 6' 5", 220 lbs Houston Rockets Born: Aug 26, 1989 in Bellflower, CA (Age: 23) Drafted 2009: 1st Rnd, 3rd by OKC College: Arizona State Experience: 3 years What a season. After struggling for the past 4 seasons to facilitate a trade or feature in a trade for a true superstar, we had the best SG in the NBA fall into our laps. James took the league and the BBS by storm with his ability to shoot, playmake, and draw fouls with consistency; in turn he was rewarded with becoming our 1st All-Star since 2011. Now what will/should we expect from Harden, this upcoming season? Will he develop a mid-range or low post game to make himself that much more deadly on the offensive end? Will he improve on his defense and become a true all around force on both ends of the floor? How much do you believe he will improve and what would you put his ceiling at for the remainder of his career? Just wanted to spark some conversation about a guy that we already have.
25PPG every season moving forward is expecting a little too much in scoring. Actually you would probably like to see that number more around 22PPG, 6APG, 5 Reb, and have someone else scoring at least 18 to 20PPG along with him. However, I think he can be even more impactful in other avenues like assist, playmaking, decision making, and on the defensive end. He can also improve alot in the half court to develop go-to moves that can consistently get a quality shot off at the end of games that most elite scorers have in the half court. James is elite in the open court, and can score with the best of them during the games. However, he can still improve his late game offensive attack. Harden had an elite offensive season last year which I think he can continue, but I think he can improve enough to impact the game enough were he doesn't have to score as much to be as impactful on the game moving forward.
Dude already has midrange game, the question is will he choose to take those jumpers instead of going for and1's. I think he will become what Brandon Roy should've been. Wait, on second thought.. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UgoOS1FGcmw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> (let's just hope he can win as many rings :grin
In the end he will probably be closest in talent level to Clyde Drexler, although his style of game is pretty different.
Needs to improve his defense and then you will be able to lead teams deep into the playoffs every season. I think he is very similar to D wade. As much as he goes to the hole and for his size he might be shaving 2-3 years of his prime but hopefully by then he will be on his 3rd or 4th championship and the rocks will be overpaying as a thank you. :grin:
Way different. I don't see James as very athletic, but extremely crafty and tricky. It's like he's got old man game, but he's very fast.
What a tremendous season he's had. Here's some things that I'd look at: - He's always had a mid-range jump shot, but due to the system I'm assuming the coaching staff asked him to do take as few as possible in order to keep the floor spaced (least effective shot in bball according to Morey). - I would like to see him post up more, as he is very strong for a SG. It would create more angles in the offense for cuts and cross-court passes. The reason I don't see them do this is b/c again, it positions him between the paint and the 3pt line - thus spacing. - I would ultimately like him to improve his defense and his stamina. Why his stamina? So he can be both a monster on the defensive and offensive end (and not take a break on one end). His improvement in these 2 areas will ultimately raise him to the next level of possibly super-star, and a true 2-way guard. Hes already got it on offense. Honorable mention - reduce the # of ISO plays towards the end of the game - its infuriating.
We all know his NBA comparison but I was asking his ceiling, which in my eyes isn't Ginobli because he still has plenty of years left to surpass him stats and talent wise. Also my goal was not to use any current players but past players who achieved historical milestones and accolades from years past.
If we dont get any help, James will end up like Tracy McGrady. Hurt too much..But if we do get the young stud some help, his career as well the Rockets career will be very promising and exciting... And his legacy will be like James Harden..His game is totally different than those that you mentioned.
Agreed pimpin! OT: BenO, Morph, and i are still waiting for you on twitter, HTB! It's on my signature here.
Did you ever watch Alex English? Their games aren't really alike. English was a mid-range master. He'd post up and had an awkward looking turn and shoot shot that was deadly because it was unpredictable. Harden, on the other hand, does all of him damage at the rim and from the three point line. Although he shows signs of having an excellent mid-range game, that isn't his specialty.
