Most teams we’ve spoken to in Chicago are indicating that they believe Oklahoma City is indeed leaning towards picking Harden. They also believe the Thunder are not enamored with Rubio at all, as they are committed to developing Russell Westbrook at his natural position—point guard.
I dont think Russell Westbrook will ever be a good NBA PG in context, but he can be a solid player with James Harden in the backcourt capable of handling the ball as well.
Does anybody else believe Harden is a left handed Brandon Roy?
Thats been the consensus comparison about Harden so far, extremely polished high IQ player btw.
The 3rd pick seems too high for him, but he's a perfect backcourt mate for Westbrook: someone who can take over a lot of the ballhandling and play making duties. If he measures out at close to a legit 6'5 with good length (though I personal expect 6'3 1/2-6'4 is more likely) with improved athleticism now that he's dropped the baby I would fully endorse it. Otherwise I'd trade down and take him him with the 5-7th pick and maybe get solid backup big in the process.
No matter what he's a great, unselfish, character guy that naturally has the mentality of a complimentary player...so he makes a near ideal 3rd option glue guy on a team like Oklahoma.
Jesus, if they can pick up a legit big that can play in the post they could be a very scary team soon.
The 3rd pick seems too high for him, but he's a perfect backcourt mate for Westbrook: someone who can take over a lot of the ballhandling and play making duties. If he measures out at close to a legit 6'5 with good length (though I personal expect 6'3 1/2-6'4 is more likely) with improved athleticism now that he's dropped the baby I would fully endorse it. Otherwise I'd trade down and take him him with the 5-7th pick and maybe get solid backup big in the process.
No matter what he's a great, unselfish, character guy that naturally has the mentality of a complimentary player...so he makes a near ideal 3rd option glue guy on a team like Oklahoma.
Jesus, if they can pick up a legit big that can play in the post they could be a very scary team soon.
The measurements are in, he's 6'4 barefoot with a 6'10 wingspan.
PART 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyzmbCX_m7E
— featuring former Sonics center Zaid Abdul-Aziz (Don Smith) and Sonics legend Slick Watts with former UW star Donald Watts.
Thunder Likely To Select James Harden At #3
