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James Harden News & Rumors

James Harden has done wonders for the Thunder, but he's not an All-Star just yet
February 10
The Oklahoman
 
"Kevin Durant was in already. Russell Westbrook is in now. But James Harden? He won't be joining his Thunder teammates in the All-Star Game this year. When the reserves were announced Thursday evening, the shooting guard was not among the Western Conference backups. That's as it should have been. Listen, you won't find a bigger fan of The Beard than yours truly. This guy's game is outstanding. He can shoot from outside. He can get to the hole. He can create for his teammates. He can defend you a little bit, too. But he's not an All-Star yet. Not when you see the other players who were left off the Western Conference squad. Joining the previously named starters — Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant,"
Brooks sees comparison between Manu and Harden
February 5
San Antonio Express-News
 
"It's become fashionable to make a comparison between Oklahoma City top substitute James Harden and Manu Ginobili. Obviously, they are both left-handed shooters who are creators when they are on the court. But the similarities are deeper than that, according to Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks."
James Harden is 'Captain Crunch'
February 4
The Oklahoman
 
"Kevin Durant was the closer Friday night. But James Harden was the setup man. The combination proved lethal for Memphis. Thunder 101, Grizzlies 94. No doubt the basketball world will be buzzing about Durant's play down the stretch. And it should be. The superstar played up to his billing, scoring the Thunder's last 10 points and sticking one dagger after another into the Grizzlies. But frankly, if not for Harden, Durant would've never had a shot to play hero. The Thunder was sunk without The Beard. On a night when the Grizzlies outplayed and outhustled the Thunder through three quarters, Harden changed the entire vibe of the game in the first four minutes of the fourth quarter. "We knew we"
Thunder notebook: James Harden starts in place of Thabo Sefolosha
January 31
The Oklahoman
 
"Guard Thabo Sefolosha missed his second start of the season, sitting out the Thunder's game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night at Staples Center with a sore right foot. Sefolosha said his status remains day-to-day and he has not ruled out playing Wednesday at Dallas. Sixth Man of the Year candidate James Harden replaced Sefolosha in the lineup, which gave OKC more offensive firepower but made defending the talented Clippers on the perimeter more difficult. Sefolosha said he would share advice with Harden before the game and also during the contest."
What's next for Thunder sixth man James Harden?
January 16
The Oklahoman
 
"On Jan. 3, following James Harden's first and only start of the season in place of an injured Thabo Sefolosha, Thunder coach Scott Brooks made his plans for the starting shooting guard position unequivocally clear. "I like what Thabo does for our team," Brooks said. "I know that is a topic at times … But there's not a controversy on who starts and who doesn't start.""
James Harden running for Sixth Man of the Year
December 24
The Oklahoman
 
"James Harden has his eyes on the prize. If he's asked to again accept the role of being the Oklahoma City Thunder's sixth man, he wants to be the best one he can be. In other words, Harden wants to be the best one in the league — and he wants the hardware that accompanies the honor of the league's Sixth Man Award. "That's definitely one of my goals," Harden said. Harden finished last season as one NBA's best reserves. He averaged 15.8 points on 46.5 percent shooting after the All-Star break. When Harden showed he was virtually unstoppable in the Western Conference Finals, serving as the ideal buffer between Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, many felt Harden had earned a promotion into"
Thunder's James Harden has most to lose from NBA lockout, lost practice time
November 30
The Oklahoman
 
"James Harden, you are the biggest loser. No, we're not talking about pounds shed. This is about a possible promotion spoiled. The third-year guard looks to be the Oklahoma City Thunder player who stands to lose the most in this NBA lockout. Now that training camps have been postponed, and the entire preseason schedule wiped out, Harden could lose out on the starting shooting guard spot many believe should now be his. Only time will tell which direction Thunder coach Scott Brooks goes in. But with the training and exhibition portions of the schedule axed, and the first chunk of the regular season possibly being canceled Monday, time is not on Harden's side."
Fear the beards: Is James Harden the next Manu?
October 26
San Antonio Express-News
 
"They say a comparison might be the sincerest form of flattery. If so, Manu Ginobili is only adding to his legend as one of the most notable players of his era. ESPN.com's David Thorpe makes a pretty convincing case that the collective grouping of Ginobili's unique abilities makes him one of the best players in the league."
Thunder's James Harden has most to lose from NBA lockout, lost practice time
October 10
The Oklahoman
 
"James Harden, you are the biggest loser. No, we're not talking about pounds shed. This is about a possible promotion spoiled. The third-year guard looks to be the Oklahoma City Thunder player who stands to lose the most in this NBA lockout. Now that training camps have been postponed, and the entire preseason schedule wiped out, Harden could lose out on the starting shooting guard spot many believe should now be his. Only time will tell which direction Thunder coach Scott Brooks goes in. But with the training and exhibition portions of the schedule axed, and the first chunk of the regular season possibly being canceled Monday, time is not on Harden's side."
Thunder's 'Bearded Wonder' James Harden displayed more potential in Game 5 loss
May 27
The Oklahoman
 
"Who was this bearded man? He wore No. 13 and, at times, he looked like the best player in the gym Wednesday night. When the ball was in his hands, the defense had no idea how to stop him. In the pick-and-roll, he carved up the competition and created plays for himself and others with the greatest of ease. He drove to the basket, and finished at the rim, and stopped and popped, and served up one sweet pass after another to his teammates. He did all of this over and over and over again. "He really took his game to another level," marveled Kevin Durant. This is how we will remember James Harden closing the 2010-11 season. The second-year Thunder guard saved his best for last in Oklahoma"
James Harden is the Thunder's X-factor
May 11
The Oklahoman
 
"So much from Monday's triple-overtime thriller will be overshadowed. But there was one thing that never had a chance to get overshadowed, something more than likely seen only by nearby spectators and overlooked by all others. It was Thunder assistant coach Rex Kalamian riding second-year guard James Harden. Following nearly every possession, Kalamian would bark instructions from the bench. During stoppages in play, the coach would pull the player aside and preach the team's principles. Harden is one of a handful of players Kalamian is personally responsible for drilling and developing. The personal attention Kalamian provides Harden permits a stronger relationship. And at times throughout"
Thunder deck Nuggets in Game 2, take 2-0 series lead
April 21
The Oklahoman
 
"As breathtaking as the exploits of the Thunder's All-Star tandem were in Game 1, their spectacular scoring left a lingering feeling that a disaster had been avoided. The Thunder escaped with a four-point win in the opening game of this series Sunday night, and everyone from Thunder coach Scott Brooks to the ball boys knew Oklahoma City could not possibly continue to receive such a dominant offensive attack from just two players. With that realization, it seemed an entire fan base turned its collective focus to one man. James Harden. The second-year shooting guard needed to contribute a scoring spark, and he did just that Wednesday night, pouring in 14 of his 18 points off the bench in the"
James Harden has stepped up since Jeff Green's trade
March 22
The Oklahoman
 
"No one needed to say anything to James Harden. When Jeff Green was dealt to Boston three weeks ago in the trade that brought Kendrick Perkins to the Thunder, Harden knew immediately that he needed to be more productive. "We had to make up for those 15 points that we lost," Harden said. "Everybody's level of play had to step up." Harden, though, shot up to a level few thought he could reach — at least not this quickly. In 15 games since the All-Star break, Harden has averaged 17.7 points. That total trails only Dallas' Jason Terry for points off the bench over that span. Harden's 50.6 percent shooting over that same span, meanwhile, ranks fifth among shooting guards with at least 10 games"
James Harden stepping up on both ends
March 1
The Oklahoman
 
"With the loss of Jeff Green, who was the Thunder's third leading scorer before being traded to Boston last week, all eyes are on James Harden and Serge Ibaka. The question everyone wants to know is how will they handle a larger role? Harden took a big step in removing some uncertainty with his performance against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. Harden had 14 points on 6-for-11 shooting in 28 minutes off the bench. He added three rebounds, three assists, three steals and some suffocating defense on Lakers star Kobe Bryant. "James is improving, and we need James to continue to get better," said Thunder coach Scott Brooks. "I thought last game he played as well as he could play on both ends"
Is James Harden too reliant on the leg-kick?
February 15
The Oklahoman
 
"James Harden has developed a knack for drawing fouls on jump shots. The second-year shooting guard has exploited defenders by initiating the contact near the end of his shooting motion rather than going straight up looking for a clean shot attempt. Harden's act has led to multiple three-point play opportunities of late, and even some four-point play chances. Harden baited defenders in Sacramento and Golden State into fouling him on jumpers. But has Harden become too reliant on the move? "I think you just shoot your shot and if you get fouled you get fouled," said Thunder coach Scott Brooks. "But if you go into every shot thinking about getting fouled you're not going to make it and you're"
James Harden suffers back injury
February 14
The Oklahoman
 
"With just over 10 minutes left in Sunday's game at Golden State, James Harden was knocked to the floor by Warriors guard Monta Ellis. Harden remained on the floor in pain before getting up and slowly walking back to the bench. Harden came out of the game, and the team's training staff examined him briefly during a timeout before wrapping his back. Harden did not return to the game. "I just fell on it and felt pain in my back," Harden said. "Hopefully, I'll get some treatment on it and be able to rest up.""
Keep the faith in James Harden
February 14
The Oklahoman
 
"On back-to-back nights over the weekend, James Harden faced Tyreke Evans in Sacramento and battled Stephen Curry at Golden State. The second-year Thunder guard had to swallow his pride at the sight of both of them enjoying individual success. This weekend's encounter could be much more difficult to deal with. While Curry and Evans will be starring for the Sophomore squad in this year's Rookie Challenge at All-Star Weekend, Harden will be reduced to a spectator at the event, which happens to be in his hometown of Los Angeles. And Harden has the harsh reality of knowing he was picked ahead of both players, one spot before No. 4 overall pick Evans and four slots ahead of seventh overall pick"
James Harden suffers back injury
February 14
The Oklahoman
 
"With just over 10 minutes left in Sunday's game at Golden State, James Harden was knocked to the floor by Warriors guard Monta Ellis. Harden remained on the floor in pain before getting up and slowly walking back to the bench. Harden came out of the game, and the team's training staff examined him briefly during a timeout before wrapping his back. Harden did not return to the game."
James Harden showing signs of consistency
January 6
The Oklahoman
 
"James Harden is gradually growing into the type of player every coach dreams of having. One who is consistent. "That's hard, especially for a young guy," said Harden. "But it's something I'm working hard to do." Harden, the Thunder's second-year shooting guard, has been doing a pretty good job lately. Entering tonight's game at Dallas, Harden has scored in double digits in each of the past 12 games. That streak might be modest for many. But for Harden, it's a career-best. "He's been real aggressive scoring the basketball," said Thunder guard Eric Maynor. "And we need that out of him. He's confident. He's been playing good. He's just got to keep it up." Harden had a horrific start to his"
James Harden appears ready to break out of sophomore slump
December 8
The Oklahoman
 
"Scott Brooks has tried almost everything to encourage second-year swingman James Harden to be aggressive on the offensive end. The Thunder's coach has spent timeouts summoning Harden to shoot the ball and has resorted to sign language during play — relying on a visual shooting motion to get his point across. So there is no confusion, Brooks, a righty, even uses his left hand when motioning for his southpaw to shoot. "He knows it drives me crazy," Brooks said. "I've never had the luxury of a coach wanting me not to hesitate on my shot. So I don't know how that works. All I know is when he's aggressive and quick with his decisions, he plays better. And when he's hesitant, you don't know what"
James Harden working on his defense, hoping to crack the starting lineup
July 6
The Oklahoman
 
"James Harden is laying down his own challenge. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard wants to crack the starting rotation next season. "I hope so," said Harden, last year's No. 3 overall pick. "That's what this summer is for." For Harden, this year's appearance at summer league in Orlando is about development and turning his shortcomings in to strengths. But it's also about showing the coaching staff, himself and his teammates that he's ready to step up and be in the starting unit. Holding him back has been the defensive side of the ball, where Thabo Sefolosha excels and Harden still is honing in on what it takes to be a two-way player. In the Thunder's 87-82 win over Boston on Monday, Harden"
Thunder's James Harden earns All-Rookie Second Team honor
April 30
The Oklahoman
 
"Oklahoma City Thunder guard James Harden has been named to the All-Rookie Second Team, the NBA announced Friday. Harden, the No. 3 overall pick out of Arizona State, ranked fourth on the Thunder in scoring with 9.9 points per game to go with 3.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.05 steals per game. Harden's scoring average ranked him eighth among rookies. He ranked fifth among rookies in steals. Drafted in part for his perimeter shooting, Harden led the Thunder in 3-point percentage this season as well, hitting 93-of-247 3s, or 37.5 percent of his attempts. The All-Rookie First Team included Sacramento's guard and 2010 Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans, Milwaukee's Brandon Jennings, Golden"
James Harden is on a roll
April 27
The Oklahoman
 columnist Berry Tramel
"The great Willis Reed, who served as a sensei for us NBA novices in the Hornets' two Oklahoma City seasons, offered all kinds of wisdom about pro basketball. Including this one: Role players don't travel. Stars are stars be they home, road or on the moon, went Reed's theory. But the blue-collar, help-out, fill-a-niche players who are so reliable in friendly confines? Best not count on them in road games. Which brings us to the Staples Center tonight, when the Thunder seeks to knock down the staggering Lakers and set up a wild West Friday with a chance to pull an epic series upset back at the Ford Center. Could happen, if rookie James Harden disproves Willis Reed. Harden has been the"
James Harden has Scott Brooks' support
April 12
The Oklahoman
 
"James Harden on Sunday night took his first step in earning the unwavering confidence and support Thunder coach Scott Brooks supplies to all his players. Mired in a three-week shooting slump, Harden calmly swished his first shot against Golden State, a 3-pointer from the right corner. The rookie shooting guard drilled his next two 3-pointers and started the game 4-for-4 from the field. He finished the half shooting 5-for-7 from the field for 13 points. "I understand that shooting slumps happen with everybody, regardless of what type of shooter you are," Brooks said about an hour before Harden came out hot. "In this league, you're never going to be on every game. "But I do like the fact"
James Harden returns from injury
March 25
The Oklahoman
 
"Rookie guard James Harden returned Wednesday night after being sidelined six games by a strained right hamstring. Receiving a loud ovation when he entered the game late in the first quarter, Harden wasted no time in making an impact, scoring 13 consecutive Thunder points. The Thunder's fourth-leading scorer (10.1), Harden leads the nine rotation players in 3-point field goal percentage (37.7). He didn't miss a beat, scoring 23 points, including going 3-of-4 beyond the arc. "It feels great to be back and to have a good game," Harden said. "Sitting out the first game was the worst, just sitting there, watching my team, having to cheer. But I kept a positive attitude about it and worked hard"
Brooks: James Harden 'available' for tonight's game
March 24
The Oklahoman
 
"It appears rookie shooting guard James Harden will return for the Thunder tonight when they host the Houston Rockets in the Ford Center. Sidelined the past five games by a strained right hamstring, Harden participated in the team's shootaround Wednesday morning. Asked if the No. 3 overall pick from last year's draft will play tonight, coach Scott Brooks joked, then indicated Harden will play. "We had a fun little slam dunk contest and Harden won. It was amazing. He did a 360 (dunk) behind the back," Brooks said tongue in cheek. "He is available tonight." Harden is the Thunder's fourth leading scorer (9.9) and leads the nine rotation players in 3-point field goal percentage (37.7). Oklahoma"
James Harden's recovery on schedule
March 18
The Oklahoman
 
"James Harden sat at his locker before Wednesday's game at Charlotte with his arms folded and his right hamstring tightly wrapped with ice. By the way he answered questions about his injured leg, using crisp, to-the-point responses, it was clear that the Thunder's rookie shooting guard was not pleased with his progress and certainly didn't feel like talking about his setback. Multimedia Photoview all photos More Info Harden's recovery on schedule And that was with things being on schedule. "I'm doing better day by day," said Harden, who reported that his leg is no longer sore. Harden, who originally was scheduled to miss two to four weeks, has made it through the first week of his recovery."
Kyle Weaver will get opportunity with James Harden out
March 13
The Oklahoman
 
""Wins are wins," said Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks. "It's not easy to win in this league... But we're going to watch the film and definitely address it because we can't afford to make those careless mistakes at the end. That's unacceptable."We will get better, but we still have to address those issues. We can't throw them under the rug and say, 'OK, we'll figure it out.' We have to figure it out quickly."Nets All-Star guard Devin Harris had a chance to cut it to two with 25 seconds left, but his runner in the lane rolled off the rim. Kevin Durant hit two free throws to finally seal the win. But even with a 104-98 lead with six seconds left, the Thunder was sloppy."I think we got a"
James Harden to miss up to four weeks
March 13
The Oklahoman
 
"James Harden's strained hamstring will sideline him two to four weeks, time the rookie shooting guard says he'll use to watch and learn, to get better while benched. "It's one of those things where I could take this time to rest and just get back and healthy and as soon as I get back just come with that energy," Harden said. Harden landed awkwardly on his right leg after driving to the basket Wednesday against New Orleans. Harden said he tried to balance himself but his knee bent backward while his body lunged forward. Harden remained in the game but played just 14 minutes, his fewest since Dec. 31. It's the Thunder's first significant injury this season. Of the team's top six players in"
James Harden snaps out of shooting slump
March 7
The Oklahoman
 
"One of the only positives to come out of the Thunder's blowout loss at Denver last Wednesday was an opportunity for rookie James Harden to regain his offensive rhythm. "Even though we lost by a lot, it was a chance for me to get my feel back with my shot and just be aggressive and I carried it over into (Friday's) game," Harden said. Prior to the Nuggets game, Harden had scored in double digits only one time in the previous six games. Over that six-game span, Harden had made just 15 of 42 shots (35.7 percent) and had missed 14 of his 19 3-point attempts. Against Denver, though, Harden scored 19 points, his most since scoring a career-high 26 on Dec. 7 against Golden State. And he got to"
No deal, no problem for Scott Brooks; James Harden finding his groove
February 19
The Oklahoman
 
"Thunder coach Scott Brooks spent the past few days avoiding discussing the team's trade options or divulging his opinion on whether Oklahoma City should make a move before Thursday's deadline. And now that the Thunder has moved forward without a shakeup, Brooks won't be heard complaining. Brooks' attention has been on getting the most out of the players he has under his guidance rather than opining about opportunities that might have been out there. And with the Thunder at 31-21, it's become impossible for Brooks not like what his eyes have seen. "The focus and the concentration level is at a high level," Brooks said. "And when you have that with talented players, you're going to improve."
Thunder's James Harden is proud of his defense
February 12
The Oklahoman
 
"The first thing you notice about James Harden is the beard. Because his beard has grown so long he's starting to resemble Abe Lincoln, Harden looks older than a 20-year-old NBA rookie. Scott Pera, having coached the 6-foot-5 shooting guard in high school and at Arizona State, was asked if Harden grew it to hide a baby face. "I'll protect him on that," Pera said, laughing. "But you might be on to something. That's all I'm going to say." It was a beard-on-beard matchup that's been the highlight for Harden, who was selected as one of nine rookies for tonight's Rookie Challenge at American Airlines Center. In a recent 100-99 loss to the Cavaliers, a game in which the Thunder nearly upset the"
James Harden, Russell Westbrook looking forward to trash talk in Rookie-Sophomore game
January 28
The Oklahoman
 
"James Harden, one of nine rookies selected for the Rookie-Sophomore Game Feb. 12 in Dallas, will be playing against Thunder teammate Russell Westbrook, one of nine second-year players selected. "Talking trash, just having fun and competing, that's what brings us closer (as a team)," Harden said, smiling. "(The rookies) will definitely win." It's not a Joe Namath Super Bowl III-like upset prediction. But the sophomores have won seven consecutive games. Kevin Durant scored 46 points to lead the sophomores to a 122-116 win last year in Phoenix."
Oklahoma City's Westbrook, Harden named to NBA Rookie Challenge
January 27
The Oklahoman
 
"Oklahoma City teammates Russell Westbrook and James Harden will face each other in the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam to be held on Friday, Feb. 12 in Dallas during NBA All-Star 2010. The participants in the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam were selected by the NBA’s assistant coaches, with each team submitting one ballot. Westbrook joins 2009 Rookie of the Year Derrick Rose of Chicago on the Sophomore team. Other players on that team are Miami Heat forward Michael Beasley, Los Angeles Clippers guard Eric Gordon, Minnesota Timberwolves forward/center Kevin Love, New Jersey Nets center Brook Lopez, New York Knicks forward Danilo Gallinari and a pair of teammates from the Memphis"
Serge Ibaka, James Harden earning fourth-quarter minutes
December 22
The Oklahoman
 
"Rookies Serge Ibaka and James Harden continue to be the two biggest surprises this season with their strong and steady play off the bench. Lately, they've been rewarded with the much desired duty of closing games down the stretch. Harden played all 12 fourth-quarter minutes in Saturday's 95-90 road loss to Houston. Ibaka played all but 1 minute, 40 seconds in the final period. In Wednesday's 109-98 home win over Detroit, Harden played the entire fourth quarter while Ibaka played all but the period's final 2 minutes, 39 seconds. "Serge is really coming along and improving every game," said Thunder coach Scott Brooks. "He's doing that because he's working hard. He deserves the success that"
Big finish lifts Oklahoma City Thunder over Pistons Thunder 109, Pistons 98
December 19
The Oklahoman
 
"Led by bench players James Harden and Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City raced to a 109-98 win over the banged up Detroit Pistons.Harden scored 14 points off the bench, nine in the fourth quarter, to help the Thunder build a 95-82 lead to break open a see-saw game. Ibaka scored a season-high 12 points and grabbed five rebounds.Riding a three-game losing streak entering the game - and facing a tough three-game road trip afterward - notching a win probably was more important than usual for a mid-December contest."
James Harden knows how to draw the line
December 8
The Oklahoman
 
"In case Thunder fans haven't realized it by now, James Harden is more than a perimeter shooter. Harden scored a career-high 26 points in the Thunder's 104-88 win over Golden State Warriors on Monday night at the Ford Center. Half his points came at the line. Before last year's NBA Draft, Harden was best known as a left-handed sharpshooter. What was rarely mentioned is he got to the line as frequently as any player in Arizona State history other than Ike Diogu. "In college, I wasn't a spot-up guy at all," Harden said. "I'm just getting used to this great league, picking my spots, learning how to create shots for me and my teammates." Harden was 13-of-14 at the line, grabbed nine rebounds"
James Harden making an impression in practice
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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"