2009 NBA Draft Coverage: Hello, My Name Is James Harden

by Mr Pappagiorgio on May 31, 2009 1:04 AM CDT in Draft Coverage Comment 30 comments

Hello, my name is James Harden. I've been working hard trying to improve and impress scouts as we get closer to the 2009 NBA Draft, where I'm fully expecting to be a top 5 selection. I came across the article that Hasheem Thabeet wrote last week (Hello, My Name is Hasheem Thabeet) right here at WTLC, and because I feel like Oklahoma City is the best fit for me, as well as the highest spot I'm likely to be selected, I felt it only right that I should be able to write my own article and tell you why James Harden should be the Oklahoma City Thunder's #1 pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. I've also since been informed that Hasheem Thabeet didn't really write the article last week, but that it was written by WTLC creator/founder, Mr Pappagiorgio. Although, that's beside the point now because I've been inspired to plead my case as well...even though this is also being written by the same writer and not actually James Harden. Come on guys, I've said it before, and now for the rest of the article, get back to suspending disbelief.

First of all, I believe that not only is Oklahoma City the best fit for me, but that I'm the best fit for the Thunder in this draft. By drafting me the Thunder can rest assured knowing that they have filled out their backcourt for many years to come. I believe I can provide a lot of what this team is missing from the backcourt. First and foremost the Thunder need that go-to guy they can pass the ball out to for a spot up 3 pointer. I'm that guy, and although I'm not nearly as great at the longball off the dribble, in a catch and shoot situation, you aren't going to find anyone better than me in this draft. With Kevin Durant and Green at the forward positions, along with Westbrooks uncanny ability to drive the ball, at times, with ease, finding me open on the perimeter for a catch and shoot 3 pointer should become a regular occurrence. This team has so many offensive weapons, that even if teams start to make attempts at shutting me down from the outside, there will always be enough other threats to get the ball to/take attention away from me.

James Harden

#13 / Guard / Arizona St. Sun Devils

Height: 6-5

Weight: 218

Year: sophomore

			FG			3PT			FT			Rebounds			Misc
	G	M	M	A	Pct	M	A	Pct	M	A	Pct	Off	Def	Tot	Ast	TO	Stl	Blk	PF	PPG
2008 - James Harden	35	35.8	6.3	12.9	48.9	1.7	4.7	35.6	5.8	7.7	75.6	1.4	4.2	5.6	4.2	3.4	1.7	0.3	2.8	20.1

I'm also a Sam Presti type character guy, how many times have I read that on this site anyway? Too many, most likely. What? Are you surprised that a top 5 NBA Prospect such as myself, James Harden, is a regular reader here at WTLC? Well you shouldn't be, because this is where I want to play. I'm very unselfish in my play, and I do whatever my team needs me to do in order to win. I'm also very knowledgeable about the game, I have tremendous court vision, and I believe I am a tremendous facilitator of offense, and to put it simply, I'm a playmaker. My athletic ability has been called marginal, but I believe its afforded me enough to develop a variety of shifty moves that will allow me to get passed defenders in one on one situations, even though I don't have great quickness. I create mismatches against most defenders, and I'm not afraid to body up a defender with my back to the basket. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm extremely versatile and effective on the offensive side of the ball.

I'm very well rounded defensively as well, which is something I know this team puts a tremendous focus on. On top of that, I'd have one of the best defensive shooting guards in the league to be mentored by, in Thabo Sefolosha. I have solid footwork, I stay in position well, I have quick hands, and overall I have pretty good anticipation skills. Playing for the Thunder and working alongside Thabo, could elevate not only the level of my personal game defensively, but will make me a tremendously better overall player, and allow me to contribute to this team on both ends of the court for many years to come. If I can grow as a player defensively during my first few years in the league, I believe that the combination of myself and Russell Westbrook will become the leagues very best tandem of guards in terms of overall play (offense & defense).

I know Sam Presti will have options at the #3 position because either Ricky Rubio or Hasheem Thabeet will still be on the board, but if Rubio is gone, I still think I'm the guy for this team. Thabeet, although bringing that tremendous size and solid defensive ability to the Thunder is enticing, he is still a very raw player and will need quite a few years to develop into the type of player that he's projecting to be (Dikembe Mutombo). I feel like he will take years to develop, and even then, its still a 50/50 chance on whether he'll be a productive center in the NBA. If you take me instead of Thabeet, you're getting a guy who can come in and produce immediately, and will help round out the backcourt of the future. Also, even though you would be passing up on Thabeet, you'd still have the opportunity to go after (and sign) guys like Marcin Gortat, Chris Andersen, Big Baby Glenn Davis, and a few others who can come in and help this team on the inside.

Just like Thabeet, drafting me would allow the team to stay in tact, as its been built with Westbrook at the 1, Durant at the 3, and Green at the 4, while plugging me in and the 2. Westbrook, Harden, Durant, Jeff Green, (Future Center) is a lineup to be feared for many years to come and depending on who fills that 5 slot in the future, this Thunder team will be competing for NBA Titles in just a few short years, and for many years to come. I'm your guy, draft me, you won't regret it. My name is James Harden, and I'm the #3 overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

If you're still not convince about me, check out some of my stuff on Youtube below:

***This post not actually written by James Harden***

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Comments

Nice summary of Harden

And a considerably safer pick (versus Thabeet). But if you’re building around the four of Durant/Green/Westbrook/Harden that center had better be a beast defending inside (particularly given Green’s well-documented problems defending PF/C and Durant’s struggles defensively). In short, Harden seems as good of a fit as anyone else in this draft.

by manifestus on May 31, 2009 1:30 AM CDT reply actions

I agree...

but I want that no matter what. I’ve also stated in the past, and I still stand by it, but I’d like to see Green come off the bench and be replaced by a more physical, true power forward. Reason being is I think Green can be a HUGE 6th man off the bench for this club, and still contribute a lot of minutes and help this team win. I don’t know if that’s a role he’d accept or not, but if the starting 5 becomes so good that Green can’t find a spot to start, you know you are on your way deep into the playoffs. Again, that’s no jab against Green, because I love the guy, I just don’t think he can be the main PF on a championship team unless we have a Dwight Howard type guy at Center, which is not likely to ever happen.

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by Mr Pappagiorgio on May 31, 2009 1:34 AM CDT up reply actions

…also I’m thinking the reason he was drafted in the first place (after Durant) was because they thought Durant would be a shooting guard. That’s the only reason why I think they’d have drafted both Durant and Green together like they did. Durant at the 2, and Green at the 3. Obviously it didn’t work out that way, so now they have to figure out how to use him at the PF, or figure out what to do with him if they don’t believe he can be the main minute getting at PF for a championship caliber team down the road.

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by Mr Pappagiorgio on May 31, 2009 1:37 AM CDT up reply actions

I agree,

I think if we’re going to compare this team’s possible lineup to other teams it could go in two directions (or more, but two clear ones). If it drafts a Harden type player, then Durant and Green can be compared to Hedo and Rashard Lewis. Of course they have a dominant big man down low named Dwight Howard. Of course if they draft Thabeet, they could still be like the Magic.

If they draft a player like Jordan Hill or another power forward, then Green will have to come off the bench. This seems to be more like the Lakers, with a great 3/4 guy off the bench who’s not a terrific scorer, but a good one, and good at pretty much everything. I don’t know why the 6th man seems to be a ‘mark of shame’, but Green seems like the type of guy who could relish being the spark off the bench [plus I’d still expect him to get 30 mpg).

by LantermanC on May 31, 2009 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions

I like Harden...

over Thabeet. He seems less risky. Less likely to start having nagging injuries.

I think there are plenty of serviceable big men you can find to fill the 5 spot, when you have a foursome of Durant, Green, Westbrook and Harden, and be a championship caliber team.

by ElectricPencils on May 31, 2009 9:43 AM CDT reply actions

I'm starting to lean in his direction too.

For such as "Weak" draft, there sure are a hell of a lot of guys in the top 10 I’d love to have.

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by Mr Pappagiorgio on May 31, 2009 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions

I agree.

Also Known as "4D" one step beyond 3D

by daddydai on May 31, 2009 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions

A lot of times in the past...

Supposed Weak Drafts turned out to be pretty strong. Who knows?

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by Mr Pappagiorgio on May 31, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions

Less risky, yes...

but from my point of view Harden barely wins over Thabeet. Either guy would fit well.

Also Known as "4D" one step beyond 3D

by daddydai on May 31, 2009 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions

I like Harden more than Thabeet but...

I have no problem with Harden and I have never been a big fan of Thabeet as i have seen him play too many times being in the NY area now and he gets dominated by physical players.

The only problem i have in the times i have watched Harden is it doesnt seem like he has that drive and desire to take over and while i know that with KD that is not as necessary i also believe that to be a top 5 pick and an excellent player in this league you cannot shy away from the big stage or the opportunities.

The guy who intrigues me the most in this draft for the Thunder’s needs is actually Derozan from USC because of his athleticism to play in transition, his mid range game and his potential as i think a defensive stopper if he hangs out with guys like Thabo. the key that is holding him back on the defensive end is he just plays too high sometimes in his stance, but he has all the tools to be that stopper. His weakness now is his outside game, but in what i have seen of him which is less than some others in this draft, i think is caused by the fact that when he shoots from long range he has a tendency to fade backwards on his shot.

In thinking more about this yesterday in my ideas to trade down as well as try to get the Washington pick i think is available because Flip Saunders has never really liked developing players and they need to win now would be a situation where we could try and draft both Harden and Derozan. some would say that is a waste, but since Derozan imo can play the 2 and the 3 he could be an instant offense guy off the bench. By the way i agree that eventually if they could get a “true post player” Jeff is better suited off the bench, but i dont see one worth taking here as i am not sold on Jordan Hill.

My ideal offseason for this team:
Take a Washington Salary dump for a year to get the 5 pick
Trade down with GS from 3 to 7 and get Randolph
Take Harden 5, Derozan 7
Sign Gortat

Lineup
Westbrook/Livingston
Harden, Derozan/Thabo
KD, Derozan
Jeff, Randolph
Kristic/Gortat

i would D-league Weaver and White probably to get them minutes, but that would be a great young top 10-12 man rotation

by mleetch352 on May 31, 2009 10:31 AM CDT reply actions

Great thoughts there leetch!

Hell of a comment. Very happy to have you contributing great comments like this on the site.

The whole scenario with taking a salary dump from Washington probably isn’t likely to happen unless the Thunder feel like they have a future with the salary dumped player. One thing Presti seems to stress is bringing in guys that will have a role on this team. Simply taking on a contract for another draft pick isn’t exactly his style.

Also, in terms of drafting Derozan and Harden is extremely unlikely because you just don’t have the amount of playing time to satisfy the growth needs of both players. Even though Derozan can play the 3, KD is going to be eating up 35-40 minutes at the 3, and then if you are already splitting time between Thabo and Harden at the two, it just seems like Derozan wouldn’t get the adequate time needed to progress.

I’m starting to lean toward Weaver and White playing in the D-League next year too, because they can get TONS more playing time down there while they still have access to D-League “assignments”

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by Mr Pappagiorgio on May 31, 2009 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions

One thing Presti seems to stress is bringing in guys that will have a role on this team. Simply taking on a contract for another draft pick isn’t exactly his style.

I think that is why we took Atkins. Denver cleared a little cap space and we made a second round pick into a first round pick.

I’m starting to lean toward Weaver and White playing in the D-League next year too.

Says the person with 66er’s season tickets.

Also Known as "4D" one step beyond 3D

by daddydai on May 31, 2009 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions

I think that is why we took Atkins. Denver cleared a little cap space and we made a second round pick into a first round pick.

The difference here is that Atkins contract is very small compared to the salary dump it would take to get a top 5 pick.

Says the person with 66er’s season tickets.

Who me? :p :-D

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by Mr Pappagiorgio on May 31, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions

Anything to give them playing time

would be great

by manifestus on May 31, 2009 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions

Playing time is the big

reason I’d like to see them both with the 66ers next season. Helping Tulsa have a winning team would just be a bonus.

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by Mr Pappagiorgio on May 31, 2009 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions

No offense, but this would never happen.

Washington won’t give up their 5th pick just for a salary dump.
GS will not trade Randolph because they love him. Brandan Wright maybe?
Also, drafting two wing players probably won’t happen either. It seems like they’d get a PG or a defensive presence down low first.

by LantermanC on May 31, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions

Yeah

I agree, won’t happen for a vast number of reasons. Wishful thinking never hurt anybody though ;-)

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by Mr Pappagiorgio on May 31, 2009 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions

Now if it were the Clippers at #5 ...

Or if someone in their FO were to consult with Al Davis for their decisions … or if … with all these possibilities, ONE of them needs to happen right?

;)

by manifestus on May 31, 2009 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions

I believe one would call this a salary dump/.

“Wizards GM Ernie Grunfeld insists he can do this is in ways that do not include breaking up the troika of Antawn Jamison, Caron Butler and Gilbert Arenas, including packaging the team’s lottery pick with a bad contract.”

by mleetch352 on May 31, 2009 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions

...oh and coming Tuesday in the "Hello, My Name Is..." Series

Ricky Rubio

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by Mr Pappagiorgio on May 31, 2009 10:44 AM CDT reply actions

You know what I like most about James Harden?

He seems like he wants to get drafted by and play in Oklahoma City.

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by Mr Pappagiorgio on May 31, 2009 3:41 PM CDT reply actions

great change

great change to these. i also love how everyday they add another player to the OKC hot for list. today it is steph curry according to hoopsworld. So in the last week it has been Thabeet, Rubio, Harden and Curry.

by mleetch352 on May 31, 2009 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions

We have to keep them guessing...

so when we trade for Griffin, It’d be like we’re doing them a favor y’know since he has a short wingspan and everything.

Also Known as "4D" one step beyond 3D

by daddydai on May 31, 2009 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions

Love the change!

Also Known as "4D" one step beyond 3D

by daddydai on May 31, 2009 5:25 PM CDT reply actions

What Change?

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by Mr Pappagiorgio on May 31, 2009 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions

I've said it before and I'll say it again....

Harden is a fat, slow, short version of Paul Pierce. I just don’t seem him being a game changer.

by Aisander D on May 31, 2009 5:32 PM CDT reply actions

Since when the hell is 218 pounds fat for 6’5" ?

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by Mr Pappagiorgio on May 31, 2009 8:20 PM CDT up reply actions

by Mr Pappagiorgio on Jun 1, 2009 5:30 PM CDT reply actions

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