#29: Five Reasons for Concern
What are the key areas the Thunder need to improve?
As the season begins, we look at five factors that could hinder the Thunder’s success in 2009-2010. Brent presents the list as Michael and Blayne react to each one.
James Harden isn’t just a scorer, so far I think he’s anice passer too. I also like the fact that he is not starting yet. Looks more like he’ll get in when he’s ready, not right away because a rookie is the best option.
Even though at first I thought Harden should be starting this year, I now agree with you that it’s better for him to play off the bench. It allows him to observe the game without the pressure of starting. The worst thing we could do for him would be to fracture his confidence in the first years of his career.
His passing is very impressive; he’s 2nd on the team in assists in spite of being 8th in minutes played. What I’m also very impressed with are his soft hands. That’s such an intangible (get it?) but he seems to receive a pass of any kind very well, and he’s able to get to some loose balls that last year always got away from us. Thabo is great, but it still wouldn’t surprise me to see Harden starting before the end of the year.