Why James Harden should start for the Oklahoma City Thunder next season? (Part-1)
Although Oklahoma City Thunder’s dream run into the playoffs came to an abrupt end against the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals, but one player who really announced himself on the big stage was James Harden. The
OKC shooting guard, who is famous for his beard and a peculiar style of dribbling had an impressive last season and supported the Oklahoma City Thunder tremendously throughout the play-offs.
In the end, the lack of experience on the Thunder roster became the major reason for their demise. Harden however his best and produced significant bursts from the bench to haunt the mighty Mavs. Harden finished the series with
an average of 18 points, 6 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. With an overall average of 13 points and 5.4 rebounds in the play-offs, the 21 year-old Harden has started to earn the recognition as the rising star of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
James has shown the potential to play alongside Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook in the starting line up of Oklahoma City. Here are some reasons why he should start for Thunder in the next season.
Third best player in the line-up
Most of the teams are powered by their best three men in the starting position to carry the action. Similar to Miami Heat in which the superstar trio LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh spearheads the team, James Harden should
be given the chance to form an influential trio with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. The option of brining Harden up the order will not only strengthen the offensive play, but it will also stimulate the defence.
Smart shooter
James is not the kind of the guy who will settle for a jumper if he is double teamed or gets clogged up against the defence of the opposition. He is a smart shooter and likes to drive towards the basket for a more convenient shot.
This is one valuable trait and can nullify Westbrook’s penchant for jumpers.
The instrumental shooting guard connected almost 50 percent from the field during the play-offs and can help the Oklahoma City in improving the shooting.
Good passing ability
Russell Westbrook is one of the best players in the league when it comes to driving down the lane and scoring. What he is not good at though, is his ball passing and distribution. The team needs someone on the front court, who
can not only ensure the scoring in the game but is also a good passer which will increase the number of opportunities for the team. Harden presents a more than useful prospect in this regard. Harden exactly knows where and when to pass and his timing is what
makes him more lethal.
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