RealGM

Just wondering if you think he's going to be slotted as the starting 2, or will your coach make him come off the bench and earn his minutes?

I think he starts.

I mean one of his first moves was to start Westbrook, and then when we traded for Thabo, he was given the starters job after just 2 games. I'd say Harden is better than Thabo and will start.

I could see him not starting the first couple of games, but assuming that he's where they think he's at in his level of play then it won't be any longer than that until he's starting.

if the roster remains the same i can't imagine harden not starting. he'd have to really struggle.

i think he will start, we need a spark from him and chemistry

Instead you have to ask yourself why would a team like Thunder not start a player like Harden. LOL

The only way Harden wouldn't start is if Sefolosha and Weaver suddenly become Kobe.

Well, Deron Williams didn't start his first year. And we had absolute CRAP in head of him.

So, you never knwo. Different coaches have different rules about starting rookies.

It looks to me like he will be given every chance to start, and that was really waht I wanted to know.

He will probably start. He will probably be the 3rd or 4th option on offense, but the passing and chemistry he brings will really help the young starting lineup mesh.

Maybe not at the beginning of the year, but kinda like Westbrook this year I'm sure he will move his way into the starting lineup.

I think it is a very legitimate question.

Ask yourself this who is going to bring scoring from the bench for the Thunder?

Thabo, Weaver, Watson, Wilkins, Atkins, Collison, Mullens, White, Livvy or Larden?

I know Larden is a shooter but I can't say I know enough about him to be a "scorer".

Someone is going to have to provide scoring from the bench.

Livvy isn't really a scorer, neither is Collison.

And we all know too painfully Watson and Wilkins are not scorers although they like to shoot.

Unless the Thunder sign an Eddie House type of player and I guess that could be Larden, I could see Harden come in from the bench behind Thabo.

PG Westbrook
SG Thabo
SF Durant
PF Green
C Krystic

6th Harden
7th Collison

That gives the bench some punch and balances out the team a bit. Plus just give Harden starter minutes. Have Thabo start but give the majority of the minutes to Harden ala Ginobili.

I was hoping OKC would take Harden. This kid is perfect on OKC and should start from day 1. Really, the team isn't in contention this year. You might as well put out the starting lineup that should be there for the most part when the Thunder ARE in contention. And build a bench around that lineup (maybe minus Green if they can/want to move him for a more convention starting 4) when the time comes to contend. The future really looks bright for your team.

I honestly don't know how far OKC is from contending if Harden pans out. I think they could knock Utah or Dallas out of the playoffs if either stumbles.

Starting of the top five sometime hurts the team

Time management ... and giving the shooters the opportunity to be the man does not mean both shooters are out there together all the time

proper defenders and shooters on the floor is just good management

good luck Brooks

how much impact do u think james harden will have next season on the thunder?

14+ points per game.

pa7290 wrote:The only way Harden wouldn't start is if Sefolosha and Weaver suddenly become Kobe.

James is way better than Sefolosha, you guys will just have to see that as he plays for you guys. I seen the guy since high school and he'll have a much more impact than Sefolosha.

He'll definitely start.

KD35MVP wrote:how much impact do u think james harden will have next season on the thunder?

James Harden will be a huge impact. he will hep keep the off. moving, be a shooter, and also a scorer.

Not that summer league is the end all be all, but his great play is one more reason to be confident that Harden is going to be a very good pro. Stupidly nice fit for you guys too...kinda disgusts me.