clutch: source says rockets want 1 of 4-5 PG's expected to go lottery

Here's a James Harden highlight video. It ain't the best video or highlight reel but I wanna post it cause a lot of people (including myself) and some critics though he couldn't get up. But he said in his Draftexpress interview that it's his athleticism that's been overlooked and he said can "get up with with them." Here is just one of his dunks he had in college but pause the video at 0.08 seconds and see where he takes off from. He has hops (DraftExpress puts him at about 38"inches max vert.) and with his wingspam being close to 6'11, he has the ability to finish above the rim at the next level, not to mention everything else he can do.

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How can we pass up on this guy? Good shooter, great NBA body, athletic, average speed. He's compared to Manu Ginobili and Brandon Roy. I say he also has a little of Gilbert Arenas in him. Man I'd love to see this guy in a Rockets uniform.

 

I'm in the "If we're trading for a high pick PG that means we're making the pick for someone else as part of a trade" group.

Seems like too much effort and cost just to upgrade the current PG situation.

 

I honestly don't see any of those guys' games in Harden. I know he is a self proclaimed student of Ginobili, but I see his skills and mannerisms as more of a mix between Cuttino Mobley and Paul Pierce. I think that's about where his game falls in terms of talent and potential as well. In other words, a borderline All-Star.

He would be my #1 choice, followed by Rubio (and assuming Griffin is untouchable).

 

He proclaims himself as a mix between Ginobili and Paul Pierce. Other analyst have been comparing him to Roy. I on the other had could be dreaming about him being anything like Gilbert Arenas.. maybe its the beard.

 

I don't think we can pass him up, but he will be surely a top 5 pick. Its a question of if we can get in the top 5 and if not the 2nd pick, be luck enough to have him fall down to where we can select him.

get it gone morey!

 

James Hardern - Strengths and Weaknesses (from DraftExpress.com)

STRENGTHS:
- Ability to get to free throw line
- All-around offensive polish
- Craftiness
- Decision making
- Efficiency
- Excellent skill-level
- Executes offensively
- Mix between scoring/passing
- Scoring instincts
- Shot-selection
- Transition play
- Versatility
- Ability to create own shot
- Aggressive slashing mentality
- Change of gears/Hesitation moves
- Ability to get in passing lanes
- Commitment to playing defense
- Off-ball defense
- Assertiveness
- Coachable
- Fundamentals
- Likelihood of reaching potential
- Strong Intangibles
- Unselfishness
- Winning mentality
- Work ethic
- Basketball instincts
- High-level productivity
- Left-handed
- Young for class
- Ability to create for others
- Court vision
- Passing skills
- Ability to finish around basket
- Balance
- Body control
- Coordination
- Solid frame
- Defensive rebounding
- 3-point shooting
- Ability to catch and shoot

WEAKNESSES:
- Mid-range game
- Turnover prone
- Ball-handling skills w/either hand
- Limited upside?
- Unorthodox style
- Average athleticism
- Average size
- Ability to shoot off the dribble

The positives definitely outweigh the negatives.

 

^bump

His athleticism is way underrated. I though he wasn't athletic enough to make a big name in the NBA but on his vertical is near Demar's vert. and it's exactly the same as Terrence Williams, the guy on this video:

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BTW, Harden's wingspan is longer than both Demar and Williams. Wonder why he doesn't show his athleticism more?

 

Maybe because he doesn't have to? But if he does learn how to fully utilize his athleticism, he will be one tough NBA player to guard. I'm really hoping he's the guy Morey is looking at in this draft.

 

What is the relationship between wingspan and athleticism?

 

Yep, I noticed that last week and I have to say that's the most disproportionate list of positives vs. negatives I've ever seen on draftexpress. It really makes the guy look like a gem, and if it's accurate, I don't see him being anything less than an All-Star level player.

 

I like Harden. The only thing he seems to be missing is speed but look at Paul Pierce. Speed is valuable but it's not everything.

 

Sure wish we had our #8 back from 06

 

A lot of draft boards had us taking JJ Redick

 

I don't think speed is missing. While combine results certainly aren't everything, they're still indicators.

That said, Harden posted an 11.1 on lane agility, which compared favorably to Curry (11.07), Griffin (10.95), and Flynn (10.86).

Even more impressive, Harden posted a 3/4 court sprint of 3.13 seconds. Relatively speaking, that blew away Griffin (3.28), Curry (3.28), and even Flynn (3.23).

Harden seems more to me like a guy that just plays a methodical game like Pierce. He may not cross you up, fly down the lane and drop a hammer on you. He'll work you over with strength, crafty dribbling, and footwork, then he'll get to the line on you and before the night's over he's put up 30.

 

You're right,it isn't everything.Paul Pierce is still faster than Harden which would given him an advantage, if their skill level was equal, Pierce is in a different league but Harden is a good player too.

 

Are you sure?

 

Harden is the most NBA ready, but....

Why target Harden considering we might resign Artest, and eventually more then likely, we'll have TMac back at some point in the season.

 

...I would love for Houston to replace Brooks with Jennings - not that I don't love Brooks, but Jennings has a few inches on him and appears to have a much longer wingspan. The thing I like about Jennings is he has a very professional approach to the game which isn't always there for a lot of young talents(especially since most college stars are coddled a bit). I also think he has a little bit of a chip on his shoulder - like he feels disrespected a bit. That's good, but even better is that he appears to be the type who wants to work that much harder to prove himself. Players who have that type of positive outlet for their frustrations, normally turn into decent players - even great ones. Considering how much natural potential he has with his speed and playmaking (two things you can't really teach as much), I think he can be very very good as he will likely grow into a better shooter with a stronger frame with some hard work(his two biggest weaknesses). The turnover weakness in his game is something he will be able to work on as well with playing time and practice.

The thing is AB won't get THAT much bigger than he is now but Jennings has a bigger frame to build on. Hell he is kind of build like a PG sized Kobe Bryant(who I have heard people say he is actually significantly shorter than they list him at). Not that I'm comparing him to Kobe, but body wise if Kobe could add to his frame(look at pictures of him as a rookie), I think Jennings could potentially as well. They list Jennings at 6-1 170 which isn't bad considering Chris Paul is listed at 6-0 175(which seems a bit smaller than he appears) so he doesn't necessarily have to be THAT much bigger to play NBA point guard.

...anyway, I think if the Rockets can sneak in the mid lottery with minimal subtraction from our core team, they should go for it. If the Knicks can't move up to get Rubio or Curry, I bet they would entertain offers to give up the 8th pick.

I like Rubio too, but I think Houston would have to give up too much or take back bad contracts to get him.

 

Well Paul Pierce is taller than James Harden.
That's for sure.