James Harden Expected to be Named the 2011-2012 NBA 6th Man of Year Today

The Oklahoman is reporting that the Thunder have scheduled a news conference for this afternoon, at which time James Harden is expected to be formally introduced as the NBA's 6th Man of the Year for the 2011-2012 season.

James Harden Expected to be Named NBA Sixth Man of the Year Today | NewsOK

Darnell Mayberry notes that the NBA is expected to announce Harden as the winner later this Thursday morning. Largely projected to be the winner throughout the season, Harden came into his own during 2012 as a key component of the Thunder's championship aspirations. He led all bench scorers with averages of 16.8 PPG, ,4.1 RPG, and 3.7 APG.

Harden is now routinely named as one of the best shooting guards in the game and one of the most efficient scorers in the league. Harden scored a career high 40 points against Phoenix earlier this season, and was the catalyst for the Thunder's closing out the Mavericks in Game 4 when he scored 15 of his game-high 29 points in the 4th quarter.

Many congratulations to Harden and we eagerly anticipate the next chapter in store for the young star.