Why is James Harden not a starter?

[RhapidKid]

I mean, I really see no reason why that dude should not be starting for OKC. Is it a deliberate move? Has he ever started a game for OKC(I'd assume he has)? If so how did he perform? I think he'd be much more productive for them as a starter.

[OneWhoKnocks]

Yes it's deliberate. Gives them a spark from the bench.

[BBgun]

Because they have two of the mostg dynamic scorers in the league in the starting lineup and absolutely no scoring options off the bench beides Harden. It gives them better balance.

[MChawtdawg]

He is scoring a bunch with crazy efficiency off the bench. Everyone is happy.

[Sting3r]

same reason why ginobli came off the bench for the spurs.

[Bertrob]

Because benches need a go to guy
Our bench sucks because if we go on the court with a major bench lineup, we get dominated because theres no one to take control of the game
Put Paul Pierce, or KG, or Rajon Rondo in with 4 bench players and its a lot better
Harden with a majority bench lineup is much better, and Durant/Westbrook are too good by themselves for Harden to get too many touches

[LionOfLannister]

Starting is such an empty honor, I'm not sure why it's so important to so many players and fans. What matters is who plays and who finishes. I think most rotations would benefit greatly by NOT starting their 5 best players.

[vincecarter4pres]

Because his swag would break the NBA.

[slick_watts]

I don't think the question should be 'why is James Harden not a starter?' but rather, 'why does James Harden only play 32 minutes a game' or 'why does James Harden only have 21.5 USG?'.

[PDXKnight]

He gives them energy when Durant and/or Westbrook leave the floor. Durant/ Westbrook bring enough offense in the starting lineup.

[dyukcs]

You could easily design a substitution pattern where at least two of Westbrook, Harden, and Durant are always on the floor while starting all three, that's basically what Miami does. I think it's more of a 'if it's not broke don't fix it' kind of thing.

[BeKuK]

Because benches need a go to guy
Our bench sucks because if we go on the court with a major bench lineup, we get dominated because theres no one to take control of the game
Put Paul Pierce, or KG, or Rajon Rondo in with 4 bench players and its a lot better
Harden with a majority bench lineup is much better, and Durant/Westbrook are too good by themselves for Harden to get too many touches

Good post...you are absolutely right.

[doctorfunk]

he plays starter minutes

[ClayDavis]

so he is eligible for the 6th man award.

[Ming Kong!]

It's true, Harden and Ginobili kind of go to waste with two other strong offensive options (Durant/Westbrook and Duncan/Parker). Also there usually was a very nice defensive player ahead of them, so what they lost in offense at that spot, they gained with defense. I've always wondered why more teams haven't done this.

[Sinant]

It's true, Harden and Ginobili kind of go to waste with two other strong offensive options (Durant/Westbrook and Duncan/Parker). Also there usually was a very nice defensive player ahead of them, so what they lost in offense at that spot, they gained with defense. I've always wondered why more teams haven't done this.

Because Harden/Ginobilis don't grow on trees. When Manu finally had to step up and be the best player on the team, he was a Top 3 SG in the league. Harden has a similar ceiling (Top 5 SG).

Not a lot of teams have a guy that good AND two other guys better or as good.

[Dupp]

so he is eligible for the 6th man award.

Yes, he's a lock to win it.

[CarmeloAnfernee]

all the best players shood start anyone who says otherwise is a stupidhead

[bigboi]

I really don't care if he isn;t a starter, I really don't understand why he only plays 32 minutes, If he played 35-38 minutes, I bet he could average 20/5/5

[ClosetMonkey]

The Thunder only have three scorers with nearly the exact identical offensive game. The rest are defenders. He comes off the bench to hold the balance.