NBA Special: Last year's triumphant rookies reverse roles-Part 2
James Harden
James Harden plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Harden was drafted third overall in the 2009 NBA Draft by Oklahoma City.
Harden’s fans were a bit disappointed when the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge roster was announced and James was not a part of it. However, he is in the lineup now after replacing the injured Tyreke Evans of the Sacramento Kings. Evans suffered a plantar fasciitis
in the left foot.
The 21-year-old shooting guard did not seem bothered by the back injury he had sustained earlier, as he was back on the court to help Oklahoma City score an impressive 126-96 win over the Sacramento Kings on 12 February, 2011. James contributed 12 points
in the 30-point win on 4 of 8 shooting from the field. In addition, he recorded a career-high five steals, three blocks and two assists in the victory.
The Artesia High School must be proud of their graduate, as Harden had been increasing his offensive workload in recent games of the 2010-11 season. Harden is averaging 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2 assists. He is shooting seven times a game and playing
just 26 minutes per contest.
Taj Gibson
Taj Gibson is a professional basketball player for Chicago Bulls. Gibson was declared for the 2009 NBA Draft and was selected 26th overall by the Bulls. During the previous All-Star Weekend, Gibson played in the Rookie Challenge, where the Rookie team won
for the first time since 2002.
Bulls power-forward Gibson left the game against the Indiana Pacers on 29 January, 2011 at United Centre. He stepped on team-mate Ronnie Brewer's foot in the fourth quarter, severely twisted his ankle and had to be supported to the locker room by two assistants.
Since returning from injury, Gibson is in search for the right opportunity to get his shooting touch back. The 25-year-old Taj is averaging just 5.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and a block per game over his last 10 contests.
Gibson found his scoring touch recently and finished in double figures scoring 11 points on 2 for 6 shooting to help Chicago to a 106-94 win over the Charlotte Bobcats on 15 February, 2011. He registered 11 points, three rebounds, two blocks and three steals
in his 23 minutes on the court.
Jrue Holiday
The steadfast, impelling and sturdy Jrue Holiday is an American professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA.
The Sixers combo guard Holiday was drafted 17th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2009 NBA Draft. With some consistent performances, he became the team's starting point guard in March of the 2009-10 season.
It is exciting news for Philadelphia that Holiday has not only qualified for the Rookie Challenge but will be a point guard on the sophomore team. It can be safely said that the future of Philadelphia is in capable hands.
Standing 6 ft 4 in tall, Jrue has blossomed into a very exciting player to watch during the 2010-11 season, as he is averaging 14.1 points per game and 6.7 assists. He is also coming off the first triple double of his career. Holiday has proven himself as
one of the top point guards in the NBA.
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