Making a case for James Harden

[dre_1614]

Very detailed scouting report found here....
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/James-Harden-1241/

After reading all the scouting reports on the internet of Thabeet and Harden, I think Presti will take Harden. Just going off his past decisions and what he looks for in players.

I know Thabeet is the popular choice and we need a defensive Center, but Thabeet has too many flaws in his game IMO. He is a black hole on offense, has bad balance and body control. Does not have great toughness, and has a weak bball IQ. He is a tremendous shot blocker and alters a lot of shots, also a tremendously hard worker. Having only played basketball for around 5 years. However he gets pushed around a lot, and is not that great a rebounder for someone his size.

Harden is a guy with a great understanding of the game, plays physical with good body control and is very crafty in getting to the lane. He is an excellent passer, a team player, and a terrific team defender, with solid on ball defense. He struggles with pull up jumpers, and the mid range game something he will need to work on. From all accounts is a hard worker.

Starters:
Westbrook
Harden
Durant
Green
Krstic

Bench:
Livingston
Weaver
Sefolosha
Mason
White
Collison
Ibaka
Draft Pick
Draft Pick


A couple of the bench guys could play in the d-league.

Thoughts?

[theokie]

I don't think Thaeet is gonna have a hard time at all transitioning his defense and rebounding into the NBA. I think having the offense in Krstic and the defense in Thabeet is a could combo to have. Also I could see Krstic playing the 4 at times while Thabeet plays the 5.

I think we can still pick up a good wing man with the 25th pick.

PG- We seem to be set and I'm content with Westbrook and Livingston
SG - Sefolosha will probably start next season, With Weaver backing him up
SF - Durant, then Sefolosha could fall in here if Weaver is on the court or Green could slide down the the 3
PF - Green, White really showed what that he had potential at the end of the season
C - Thabeet, Krstic

I don't see us resigning Mason. Ibaka will still be in Europe this year. Watson probably is out of the rotation. I don't have Collison up there, but I'm sure he will still be in the mix somehow between the PF and C spots, with possibly decreasing minutes as the season goes on as White and Thabeet continue to get better