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James Harden: NBA Draft Profile
December 24th, 2008
by Jeff Fox
James Harden
College: Arizona State
Class: Sophomore
Position: SG
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 218lbs
Accolades: First Team All-Pac-10 (08), Second Team Freshman All-American -CHN (08), Pac-10 All-Freshman Team (08), McDonald’s All-American - high school (07), Second Team Parade All-American - high school (07).
Scouting Report: A silky smooth shooting guard.
Strengths: Lefthanded. An explosive scorer - had over 30 points in three out of the team’s first six games his sophomore year. Shoots for an extremely high % everywhere on the court (FG, 3Pt, FT). Great at getting fouled and knocking down his free throws. Has three-point range on his jumper. Very good rebounder and assist man for his position. Young - will only be 20-years-old when next NBA season begins. Strong, solid build - won’t be pushed around in the NBA. Great at playing the passing lanes - led the Pac-10 in steals his freshman year. Smooth and under control. Mature and poised. Unselfish player. Used to being double-teamed.
Weaknesses: Not a standout athlete - not especially quick or a high leaper. Questionable foot-speed may limit his ability to guard one-on-one effectively in the NBA. Will be short for a shooting guard (may only be 6’4”). Turns the ball over too often.
Projected 2009 Draft Range: Top five pick.
Consensus: The Sun Devils’ James Harden has all the makings of being a solid NBA pro. While his lack of freaky NBA athleticism might limit his potential for stardom, he is a shrewd enough player that he will find a way to succeed and should enjoy a long career.
Stats:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=36072
NBA Draft on CollegeHoops.net
Current NBA Mock Draft Position
Complete NBA Draft coverage
CHN's Six-Star Ranking System w/ 2008 Equivalents
= Superstar/All-NBA Potential - Michael Beasley
= Potential NBA All-Star - Derrick Rose
= Consistent NBA Starter - Brook Lopez
= 6th Man/Fringe Starter - Russell Westbrook
= Career Reserve - Roy Hibbert
= Fringe NBA Player/12th Man - JR Giddens
0 stars = Life in the Minor Leagues - Drew Neitzel
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About Jeff Fox
Columnist
NBA Draft & International Hoops
Contact
foxyjj@sympatico.ca
Background
Jeff Fox is a freelance journalist based an hour outside of Toronto, Canada. While attending University of Waterloo (Canada) earning a B.A. in Economics and Management Studies, Jeff managed to walk onto the school’s varsity basketball team, the Warriors, for 2 seasons. His final year riding the pine for the Warriors saw the team make it to the CIS (Canada’s NCAA equivalent) Final 8 tournament. In addition to this site, he is a regular contributor to SLAM magzine (& online) and The Hoops Manifesto. When he isn’t planted in front of his computer he spends the rest of his time with his wife, Lisa, his son, Adam and his dog Jeannie.
Location
Toronto, CA
Favorite Links
Harden
disappears for large portions of critical games.....almost never uses his off hand. (right)