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Harden is finally starting to show why he was the # 3 overall pick in the 2009 draft

James Harden's game is finally starting to translate to NBA success.


After being selected 3rd overall in the 2009 draft, James Harden has not lived up to the expectations that a prospect taken that high has. This has not been an issue for his team, however, because of the successes of other young talents placed around him: Durtant, Westbrook, and Ibaka. This was a perfect situation for a player like Harden, who has an old school style of play, looking to set up team mates opposed to creating his own shot.

At Arizona St. he was a prolific scorer for his two years in college. When he came out he was also touted as having under estimated athletic ability and great passing ability and vision. I saw him in person, at Mac Court in Eugene, as he tore apart the Ducks single handedly. He scored 44 points effortlessly. When I looked at his stats the next day I noticed how efficient he was. He scored a large portion of his points at the free throw line, while shooting a very few amount of shots to score such a high amount.

So far in his NBA career Harden has struggled to find his niche. He has become the Thunder's sixth man, along with Ibaka. His first year he struggled with his efficiency, shooting only 40% from the field and not producing many assists or steals. So far this year, to the chagrin of Thunder fans, he has mostly produced the same as last year. As far as role players in the NBA go, he is effective, although one would wish he would shoot a higher percentage, or specialize in one thing such as three point shooting.

Although his production is not where many would like to see it be, Harden has shown flashes of brilliance this year. When Durant was injured at the beginning of the year Harden started, and scored 20 points 2 or 3 games straight. The difference was that he was needed to be a scorer, because of the lack of offensive production from Sefaolosha and their other role players. I hoped that once he went back to the bench he would continue his improved play and continue his new found aggressiveness, but this did not happen. He reverted back to the mediocre averages from a year ago.

During the all-star break Harden had a huge game in the sophomore-rookie challenge. I think this may have given him some confidence coming out of the break. At the same time, Jeff Green was shipped to Boston. This left a void in scoring that needed to be filled. In the five games since the break Harden has upped his production to 17 points per game, improved his shooting percentage, and is getting to the line and making 95% of his free throws.

Awful news to relay, as former Wild enforcer Derek Boogaard was found dead Friday in his Minneapolis apartment by members of his family. Boogaard was only 28 years old.Derek Boogaard, a Canadian ice hockey winger was found dead in mysterious circumstances in his residence on Friday. Though, no further details are available in relation to the death of Boggard but medical examiner of Minneapolis is still investigating the case.

The New York Rangers are really shocked by the sad demise of Derek. The president and general manager of Glen Sather, New York Rangers commented that Derek was the kind natured man and will really be missed by all of his fans, family and friends. He extended his sympathies to the family, relatives and friends of derrick.

Don Fehr, Executive Director of National Hockey League Players' Association too has extended his deep sympathy on the passing away of Derek Boggard. He further said that Derek was the respectful member of the NHPLA and his uncertain death will be a great loss to the hockey association.

It is to mention that Boggard started his National hockey League career with Minnesota wild in 2005. He played near about 255 games for the association. Later in 2010, Derek joined new York rangers and played near about 22 games for them.