NBA: The Bearded One sends Rockets into orbit

Elaine Stockdale 7/11/2012

Published on The Back Page Lead.

James Harden, aka ‘The Bearded One,’ so far has been the surprise package of the NBA 2012/2013 season after joining Houston in the off-season and forming an electric partnership with another new Rocket, Jeremy Lin.

Lin and Harden have gelled and developed a backcourt rapport, a type of connection that most players only ever find after years playing together. They each have the ability to attack the basket fiercely and create clever offensive plays. They seem to have fit the missing pieces of the Rockets’ puzzle, a team now with direction.

Jeremy Lin and James Harden (Photo: Twitter/@Lj_BallisLife)

It is the latest chapter in Harden’s amazing story. After being drafted 3rd overall in the 2009 NBA draft, Harden joined the Oklahoma Thunder for three successful years. In his first season with the Thunder, Harden made the All-Rookie Second Team and continued to improve, notching up an average of 12.2 points per game – having played every regular and playoff game in his second NBA season.

But hitting the court alongside All Stars Russel Westbrook and powerhouse Kevin Durant, Harden was continuously overshadowed, still finding his feet and playing wingman to the unstoppable duo. In his third season, Harden stepped up to another level despite playing a support role in the Durant–Westbrook show.

Harden was named the 2012 NBA Sixth Man of the Year, the second-youngest player to receive the award. His dominance off the bench and efficient shooting helped lead the Thunder to the 2012 NBA Finals, but the Thunder were tamed by the Heat’s big three, losing the championship to a deserving Miami team.

Despite losing the finals, Thunder proved they were a young team to be reckoned with come season 2012/2013; they seemed assured of another finals campaign.

However no one expected the bombshell news that came next – Harden would be traded to the Houston Rockets for two first-round picks and a second round pick. Jaws of NBA fans dropped to the floor as Harden signed for five years at $80 million, joining Lin, the former New York Knick, in the Rockets backcourt.

Many wondered what sort of impact Harden would have with his new team, but it hasn’t taken long for him to prove the doubters wrong.

Unlike the LA Lakers who are still adjusting to find their team chemistry after the signing of ‘Superman’ Dwight Howard and veteran Steve Nash, the Rockets quickly found their mojo and chemistry after Harden’s arrival, with players easily falling into their place.

With the help of Lin’s leadership and intelligent court vision, the Rockets have found there go to man in Harden. No longer overshadowed by former team mates Durant and Westbrook, Harden has come forth to be the centre of the spotlight.

Harden’s debut with Houston couldn’t have been any better, hitting 37 buckets, six rebounds and 12 assists against the Detroit Pistons, while shooting 14 for 25 from the field.

In his next outing, Harden went one better to prove his first performance for the team was no fluke, scoring a career-high 45 points against the Atlanta Hawks.

A member of the 2012 US Olympic gold medal squad, Harden also hit 15 of 17 free throws and made seven rebounds. His 17 free-throw attempts matched the total that Atlanta had as a team.

His first two performances have brought into question the Thunder’s trade deal with Houston; can Oklahoma seriously contend for a championship without the Bearded One? With early picks and clean shaven Westbrook and Durant still suiting up for Thunder, it’s hard to see the falling too far.

Either way it isn’t too unpleasing for most NBA fans to see Harden sent to the Rockets because Houston now have something they have been missing for years – an offensive player who explodes with the ball in his hands.

Harden has set a standard for all young shooting guards and for himself – he is now considered a big-time scoring player. Now in a prominent role as a starting shooting guard – no longer a sixth man – Harden has the ability to carry the Rockets offensively and emerge as successful one-man highlight reel.

First there was Michael Jordan, then there was Tracy McGrady, Kobe Bryant and Dwayne Wade. Could Harden be the next Bryant of basketball’s new era?

Harden’s unique style and skills, explosiveness on the court and shooting efficiency suggest that could well be the case.

Kobe Bryant and James Harden , Photo Source: http://lakerholicz.com