[GreenLanternParticipant]

Don’t look now but I think James Harden will be the big name guy to fall in this year’s draft. Not that much though I got him at No. 9 in my current mock draft. He doesn’t deserve to go that low, but we all know how much value the NBA puts in PGs and big men. Think about it: Harden’s ceiling is #4 but Sac-town already has Martin at the two. Washington is said to want to trade down or out now that they are out of the Griffin sweepstakes and don’t want to pay the luxury tax on their cap next year by putting a high-priced rookie role player on a team of stars. Foye had a career season for Minny at the SG spot and their only glaring weakness (besides defense) is a pure lead guard. Same for Golden State as everyone knows they are wanting to move Ellis back to the SG position the first chance they get. At eight you have New York which is a REAL possibility, but I have a hunch the Knicks will move their pick either up or down on draft night. That leaves Toronto at 9, a team that knows it’s about to lose their best player to free agency anyway and needs perimeter scoring among numerous other things. I rest my case, barring any crazy trades before Toronto picks. Care to discuss?

[johnecoParticipant]

What you are saying sounds plausible. He’s perceived as a player without a lot of upside, and that’s exactly what most teams draft for; they’ll take the slim chance at superstardom over the solid player 9 times out of 10.
However I don’t think he would get past the Knicks.
And I think Washington will pick him if they don’t trade down.

[johnecoParticipant]

We’ll know a lot more by the end of the week, once the combine measurements come out. He’s got the kind of borderline size where one inch either way will make a big difference, crazy as that sounds. Plus I’m curious to see how he measures up athletically.

[GreenLanternParticipant]

Yeah I’m curious about his height and wingspan measurements too. BTW, I think if Harden goes lower than 6th, he will be the steal of the draft. I see his top potential, as a bonafide third option, ala Ginobili, Terry, etc.

[auberParticipant]

People called me crazy on this one man, but I really see him going in the 8 or 9 spot. A bad tournament and a lot of NBA flaws that have yet to be addressed will determine his fate. He will be a solid NBA player which was once considered a rarity in this draft. I see the wizards taking a chance on Derozan over Harden because their already a playoff caliber team. If he doesn’t go at 5 I don’t think he goes at 6 or 7. Minnesota has Foye locked at the 2 and Golden State is in love with Belinelli. The Knicks are interesting, but I don’t think he’s the pick here. I personally think Henderson would thrive that much more in Dantoni’s system over Harden, but their in love with Curry. So that leaves us with Toronto who will by no means let him pass them.

[sheltwon3Participant]

There may be a lot of draft deals because there are a lot of quality players that do not fit certain teams needs but they still have value. He may be drafted earlier and trade or like you said he could fall do the way other moves play out because on the need factor.

[auberParticipant]

If he doesn’t go to Washington It’s going to be very interesting as to how far he does drop.

[GreenLanternParticipant]

The Raps would be foolish to pass on Harden at 9. New York SHOULD pick him at 8 and if they don’t want him trade the Harden selection immediately for some good pieces.

[QHaynes123]

no way…he is a bonafide top 5 guy….I think he will be great in the league in Washington would almost be foolish not to take him

[GreenLanternParticipant]

Washington is dead set on not going over the luxury tax so Washington might pick Harden, then trade him to another team that is moving up. Actually, the more I think about it Q, the more convinced I am this WILL happen…

[Flash_Scout_5Participant]

James Harden is top five and Can be a All Star next to Blake Griffin and Ricky Rubio.

[GreenLanternParticipant]

Harden’s not an all-star, but he will easily be a top five player from this draft when its evaluated 5-plus years from now.

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