James Harden News: Pro Sports Daily

James Harden making an impression in practice

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October 20

The Oklahoman

"Rookie James Harden was held out of last Wednesday's game against Miami in Tulsa and didn't like the feeling of sitting. But he understood. Thunder coach Scott Brooks is toying with his rotation early to give players a fair shot while also using these exhibition games to evaluate everyone as adequately as possible. But Harden responded in a big way over the next few days, Brooks said, putting together his best two practices of the season Friday and Sunday."He came back really focused on improving. I like the fact that he did that," Brooks said.Brooks said the No. 3 overall pick is steadily improving but has the same challenge as all players, picking up the game's faster pace in games and ..."

Thunder rookie James Harden suffers second setback of training camp

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October 1

The Oklahoman

"Thunder rookie James Harden has had a forgettable start to his first NBA training camp. The No. 3 overall pick sprained his left ankle midway through practice Wednesday and couldn't complete a session for the second time in as many days. Coach Scott Brooks said following the first of Wednesday's two-a-day sessions that Harden sustained a mild rolled ankle during a routine pick-and-roll play but "probably would be back" for the evening portion. Harden, however, left the team's training facility walking with the aid of one crutch, which could be a preventative measure or indicate the injury is more serious."

Thunder players rave about James Harden

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September 30

The Oklahoman

"Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Shaun Livingston made a bold proclamation when asked the impact James Harden might have this season. "He has the type of ability he could run away with Rookie of the Year, depending on what that guy in LA does," Livingston said. "That shows how much confidence I have in him, how much I believe in him." Reminded "that guy in LA," Blake Griffin, the No. 1 pick who played at OU, is a local icon, Livingston said: "I don't want people around here to be mad at me. But (Harden) is the No. 3 pick and I still think he's underrated. "The kid is experienced beyond his age. He has a point guard's feel for the game in a two-guard's body. He can score, play defense, get ..."

James Harden suffers minor setback

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September 30

The Oklahoman

"James Harden had a rude welcome to the NBA on the opening day of his first training camp Tuesday. The No. 3 overall pick was accidentally poked in the eye by a teammate and had to leave practice near the conclusion of the session to get it treated as a precaution. The incident was labeled minor by a team spokesman, and Harden was scheduled to play in the night session that wrapped up the first two-a-day of camp. Harden was leaving the practice court at the same time media members were allowed into the gym and wasn't available for comment. Thunder coach Scott Brooks said the rookie performed well in his first real NBA practice before the setback. "James really buys into wanting to get ..."

James Harden impresses Thunder coach Scott Brooks

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July 12

The Oklahoman

"is no different than the average Thunder fan who watched Oklahoma City's five games in the Orlando Pro Summer league. The Thunder coach became smitten at the poise and control with which No. 3 overall pick James Harden played. It wasn't Harden's seemingly effortless scoring ability, or his perceptive play-making skills, or even his all-out hustle that stood out most for Brooks. What left a lasting impression in Brooks' mind was how the former Arizona State shooting guard knew where to be on floor at all times, how he never got rattled and how he made his opponent play at his pace."He really has a great control to his game while he's on the floor," Brooks said. "He plays like he's been ..."

Thunder signs James Harden, Serge Ibaka and Byron Mullens

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July 12

The Oklahoman

"The Thunder announced Saturday that it has signed rookies James Harden, Serge Ibaka and Byron Mullens to contracts. Harden was the third overall pick in this year's draft, Mullens was selected 24th by Dallas and acquired in a draft-night trade and Ibaka was the team's 24th pick in the 2008 draft. Ibaka spent last season playing with Ricoh Manresa of the Spanish ACB League. He averaged 7.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and one block in 15.5 minutes per game. Per team policy, terms of the players' contracts were not disclosed. But under NBA rules as outlined in the collective bargaining agreement's rookie scale, Harden can sign for a maximum first-year salary of $4,004,160. Mullens and Ibaka can ..."

James Harden impresses with attitude and hustle

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July 8

The Oklahoman

"In the third quarter of Tuesday's 91-88 loss against Indiana, Oklahoma City rookie James Harden dribbled into the frontcourt and was swarmed by Pacers hopefuls Trey Johnson and Anthony Smith, getting the ball ripped away and losing possession. Harden immediately threw himself to the floor and atoned for his mistake, tying up Johnson and then winning the ensuing jump ball. It's that attitude and hustle that landed him in Oklahoma City, endearing him to GM Sam Presti and his front office staff. The 20-year-old Harden is a fighter, making him the perfect fit for a team trying to carve out an identity as an intense, defense-oriented outfit that will fight you for every inch. Diving on the ..."

Thunder selects James Harden with the third overall pick in the NBA Draft

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June 26

The Oklahoman

"James Harden pounded his cream three-piece suit and bow-tie-covered chest and smiled.The Oklahoma City Thunder had just made the Arizona State shooting guard the third overall pick in Thursday night's NBA Draft. Harden is now the newest member of the Thunder's talented young core, joining Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook. The Pac-10 Player of the Year seemingly will become the team's shooting guard of the future and serve as the answer to the Thunder's perimeter shooting problems last season.The Thunder passed on Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio, who is widely considered the second best prospect behind former Oklahoma forward Blake Griffin. In doing so, Oklahoma City avoided a ..."