If I were the GM of the Oklahoma City Thunder I would have taken Ricky Rubio. It would have been a decision based on emotion rather than what's best for the team. Last week I really believed Harden was the pick. But as it came closer to draft time I got caught up in Rubio mania.
James Harden has neither the buzz nor the sex-appeal of Rubio or Stephen Curry. But Harden is the right choice based on the dynamic of this team as it is currently assembled.
As I said the other day:
James HardenThe Thunder need exactly what Harden provides. The Thunder doesn't need an offensive savior. They need a guy who can play hard on defense, can get into the flow of the offense and keep opposing defenses from collapsing into the lane by knocking down outside shots.
The case for: He's a Shooting Guard in a Point Guard dominated draft class. He has good size and is left handed. He's a better athlete than people realize. He has a high basketball IQ and, by all accounts, is a gym rat. He does not need to be first banana and has a team-first attitude. He is probably the best "fit" in terms of sliding in and finding his role within the team and locker room.
The case against: He has a tendency to disappear in games. Um, that's about it.
Harden's character is what really makes him a great pick. Here's some quotes from an article by Mike Baldwin in The Oklahoman on June 16th:
Harden might not have the razzle-dazzle of Ricky Rubio but he will be a perfect fit for this team and this town. One can only admire Sam Presti leading with his head and not his heart."When the ping pong balls fell the way they did, I was ecstatic," [Harden's High School Coach, Scott] Pera said. "He wouldn't need to go in there and shock the world and save the franchise. Kevin Durant is there. Jeff Green is there. Russell Westbrook is there.
"(Harden) is what those guys are not and they're what he is not."
"He's one of those kids that's a throwback from a different era," one NBA general manager was quoted. "His background came back as clean as it gets. His coach and teammates rave about him. He's all business on and off the court."
"His game translates very well to the next level because of his length and he anticipates well, whether that's getting to a spot for a shot or defensively. In high school he led us in charges two years in a row."
"James has never been a super flashy, look-at-me type of guy. He just wants to win games. If he needed to dunk he did. If he needed to hit five 3's he did. If he needed three great passes that's what he did. His game will translate well to the next level."
25th Pick Overall- B.J. Mullens, C, The Ohio State
After swapping draft rights with the Dallas Mavericks the Thunder picked up B.J. Mullens, a project Center from Ohio State. The Thunder were rumored to be "intrigued" by Mullens and at one time were supposedly considering a trade with Detroit to move to the 15th spot to select him. So, it's fortuitous then that Mullens was available at the 25th spot. They did also give up a future 2nd rounder to Dallas, however.
Mullens is a guy who started two games for Ohio State last season as a Freshman. To say he is a project is being kind. However, the Thunder are filling a void by picking up a big body who can clog the lane. I'd much rather be in the Thunder's shoes taking a chance on a big man at 25 than the Memphis Grizzlies taking a chance on one with the 2nd selection.
Draft Rights Purchased- James Vaden, G, UAB
James Vaden will step in and be the old man of the bunch at 24. One of the interesting things that stands out to me in reading his bio from the UAB web site is the he was 5th in the nation his Junior year in 3-point attempts and 2nd in the nation in 3-point makes. Last year he was in the top three on his team in points, rebounds, blocks and assists. His shooting percentage is in the 35% range so that can improve. But he's similar in size to Harden (6'5").
Overall the Thunder drafted on need and based on the quality, or lack thereof, of this draft they did about as well as they could have hoped. Now comes free agency and a chance for the Thunder to add some veteran pieces to help all these youngin's grow.
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