James Harden Injury Update – Sprained Ankle

James Harden, the third overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder, is quickly figuring out how physically demanding it is on the professional level. The rookie out of Arizona State got hit in the eye in the first day of training camp and then sprained his ankle on the second day.

The good news is that Harden’s injury isn’t believed to be serious, although he could miss a few days of training camp. The Thunder begin their preseason schedule with an October 7th game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

If Harden can rebound from his ankle injury and impress during training camp and the preseason, he has a chance to start for the team at shooting guard. He’d join a starting lineup that would include Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, Russell Westbrook and Nenad Krstic.

Even though Harden is a young player, scouts say that he has a very matured set of skills. He can score, pass and play away from the ball. His defense will probably the issue the coaches make him focus on the most early on in his career.

James Harden (Image: Zuma Press)