Who is James Harden?

The 6′5 Arizona State sophomore received zero! votes for my poll question of ‘most overrated’ player.

I got to thinking, maybe there’s a simple reason nobody thinks Harden is overrated—maybe nobody even knows who he is?

On the Surface

Started every game for ASU so far this season, shoots 52.7% from the field, gets to the line 8 times a game (shoots 75%), averages almost 6 rebounds and just over 4 assists (3.5 turnovers) a game and leads the Pac-10 in scoring with 21.2/gm.

Extra

Leading ASU to a 10-4 Pac-10 mark thus far, a top 15 ranking, and almost assuredly a 3 or 4 seed in the NCAA tourney.

Scored 17.8 ppg his freshman year. That is the 8th best mark by a freshman in Pac-10 history.

Holds ASU record for most minutes/gm for a freshman (34.1).

First team All-Pac-10 freshman.

The first freshman in league history with at least 70 (73) steals and at least a 17.0 points per game average.

The Skinny

This left handed, unorthodox, patient, fundamental, polarizing player doesn’t seem to get the acclaim he deserves. Overlooked by the east coast media, but then again, if you’re not on UCLA, that’s kind of the way it rolls. If he was flashy, maybe had some off the court issues, he possibly might get more attention, but it seems that his due acclaim will have to wait until the tourney.

Game has drawn comparisons to Manu Ginobili and Paul Pierce, often because of the subtle but destructive athleticism that he shares with them. Also a competent shooter from deep (though needs to improve mid-range game), has good eye for the open man, has controlled aggression, sneaky defensive player, makes uncanny shots in lane, NBA strong, knows his strengths and exploits defenses accordingly, and is especially calm in times of chaos.

Fortunate enough to have seen Harden play two times this season, I can safely state that in a worst case scenario he will have a pro career similar to a John Salmons or Derek Anderson. Best case? Definitely the Paul Pierce comparison fits, but Harden is, at the tallest, only 6′5, and without A grade athleticism I’m not certain he can do the things the 6′7 Pierce does on a regular basis.

On the college level he’s already a top 5 player. If ASU can get hot it’s not unrealistic to assume they can make a long run in the tourney, especially with the lack of consistent and/or dominant teams around this season. Harden can carry a team for long stretches and if ASU can catch some breaks along the way, Harden can say so long to the mysterious man label.