Top 5 OKC Thunder Rookie Selections in franchise history

No. 2- James Harden

The OKC Thunder first official draft selection turned out to be a good one.

During James Harden’s three seasons in Oklahoma City, it was no secret that the young guard was on the verge of becoming a great player.

Whether he was running the second team offense or working alongside the starters, Harden was a major offensive weapon for the OKC Thunder. With Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, the trio created a three-headed monster that was tough for opposing defenses to stop.

The NBA started to recognized Harden’s efforts, as he was named the 2011-2012 NBA Sixth Man of the Year. Although he was thriving in the sixth man role, Harden was bound to get an opportunity as a starting shooting guard.

Unfortunately, that opportunity didn’t come in Oklahoma City. Harden was traded to the Houston Rockets, where he emerged as a superstar. Since he arrived in Houston, Harden has been selected to five straight All-Star teams, and was named to the All-NBA First Team three times.

Over his eight-year NBA career, Harden has averaged 22.1 points, 5.7 assists and 5 rebounds per-game.