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So the Thunder have played 58 games so far. Ibaka and Harden have had a decent role in those 35 wins. So I was just thinking which rookie has had a bigger impact this season?

Obviously they are completely different players. Both with huge upsides but in limited roles. Ibaka has played in 49 games. While Harden has played in all 58 games.

Some basic stats.
Ibaka 5.4pts, 4.9rebs and 1.1blks...16.6minutes

Harden 9.8pts, 3.3rebs and 2asts...23.1minutes

I think Ibaka has a decent advantage defensively. Harden's "D" has improved through out the season though. And Harden easily has the offensive edge here without a doubt. However Serge is 1 for 1 from 3 point land.

Some other stats.
Ibaka has had 8 or more rebounds 12 times.

Harden has score 14 or more points 13 times.

Ibaka has had 2 blocks or more 19 times.

Harden has had 3 assists or more 18 times.

I think what Serge brings to the table is the biggest need for the Thunder. Right now Harden is the better player.

But who makes the bigger impact?

If you had to hand out an award for the best rookie on the Thunder who would it be?

James Harden was doing very well up until about a week ago, he's had several poor games that have hurt his overall production for the season. He's not really finding the open man and blowing a lot of looks inside.

Conversely, Ibaka's had a couple nice games and has been on the upswing.

I think Harden's had a bigger impact as a shooter.. we lack shooting, and he's really come through in some of the games (i.e. Portland game where he scored 10 in a row in the 4th quarter). Ibaka's been surprising and he blocks shots but I'm not sure he's a more effective defender than Collison at this point.. Harden's our best 3pt shooter other than Durant.

They both make too many mistakes. I'm kind of disappointed with Harden and how little he's improved his game near the rim, he still struggles to finish and forces a lot of shots there. Serge still makes a lot of boneheaded plays on defense..

Anyway I think Harden's impacted the team more. It's close, though.

I tihnk harden has had the bigger impact


OMG Slick you are so hard on our guys. They are Rookies and will make mistakes. In-season Improvement isn't all that common, its the off season that they should make thier biggsst improvements.

Harden is still finding that balance between scoring, and distributing. Ibaka is learning english on the go as well as the playbook etc.


But its not just the rookies you're hard on - KD scores 30 on good shots and you'll find a way to say he pissed you off.

You should not analyze any games you see for 2 weeks and just get back to enjoying the games, and appreciating what talent we actually have~

Just two nice pieces to a championship puzzle ... both would be hard to replace

Hopefully they continue to improve

You're a good poster Clangus so I'll refrain from 'analyzing' your post, and not question why you're telling me how I should enjoy the team.

Both are even although since Harden has been playing this way the whole season, I'd say Harden. Both are nice role players to keep around for a while. I see Harden becoming a more important player though.

slick_watts wrote:You're a good poster Clangus so I'll refrain from 'analyzing' your post, and not question why you're telling me how I should enjoy the team.

point well made Mr Watts

Ibaka is averaging 8 points, 5 boards and 2 blocks in 17 minutes per game the last 10 games. Amazing numbers, especially in the shotblocking department.

Last game vs the Clippers he took a few 16-20ft jumpers and made all of them. He's progressing nicely.

Well I know Harden has recently missed some time but that's part of an 82 game season. He did just have a great 1st game back though.

Ibaka keeps playing solid D and within the offense.

Who's winning this race as of now?

wiff wrote:Well I know Harden has recently missed some time but that's part of an 82 game season. He did just have a great 1st game back though.

Ibaka keeps playing solid D and within the offense.

Who's winning this race as of now?

As of now I would say Serge is winning the race but it's close.

even with the bad loss tonight Ibaka keeps on impressing me. Everyone remember him at the beginning of the year? Now look at him, dude is going to be an amazing player for us.

He's been getting a lot of time in the fourth lately (mainly due to a lack of talented bigs), but has delivered with some big blocks, dunks and defense on certain big men.

He's definitely having more of an impact than James.