OKC Thunder in the news: Harden compares new squad to OKC 2012
Welcome to OKC Thunder in the news for Friday September 15, featuring topical news on your favorite squad.
Today OKC Thunder in the news offers some scintillating articles with a past player (James Harden) featured in two articles. In one Harden compares his current squad to a his former OKC team. The second centers on the debate surrounding Sports Illustrated’s The Crossover top 100 ranking.
Harden compares Rockets to 2012 Thunder:
The one and only trip by the OKC Thunder to the finals occurred in 2012. At the time Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden and Serge Ibaka formed a youthful four-some who seemed destined to get ample return trips. Yet, the very next season Harden was traded to the Rockets. Then a series of injuries to Durant and Westbrook hit. Flash forward and the only players still on the OKC Thunder are Russell Westbrook and vet Nick Collison.
Suffice to say, teams like the 76ers, Timberwolves and other young up and coming teams shouldn’t ever take success for granted.
James Harden is reflecting back on that 2012 iteration of the Thunder with fondness. In fact, Harden opines his new Rockets squad reminds him of that team.
Dan Daungdao of Clutch Points offers more insight:
"In addition, Harden feels there are similarities with the 2012 Oklahoma City Thunder which featured Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook:“Both teams are similar as far as talent and versatility, a mixture of vets and young guys. Both are very, very, very talented,” Harden said. “Now, obviously, the difference is we were younger back then, but both are good.”"
SI’s The Crossover ranks Harden ahead of Westbrook:
Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney haven’t earned any fans in OKC after they released The Crossover top ten members of their annual top 100 list. That’s because they dropped Russell Westbrook a spot lower this season. In addition, five players were ranked ahead of Westbrook. At issue are the third (Stephen Curry) and fifth (Harden) ranked players.
To put this in perspective the ranking is based on projections for the coming season, not the production from last season. Suffice to say, this scribe doesn’t agree with the placement but for the purposes of today’s ITN column we’ll stick to the Harden portion.
"For starters, Houston’s offense under Harden was much, much more efficient than Oklahoma City’s under Westbrook. While one could argue that Harden had more help, his superior passing ability and pick-and-roll mastery ensured that Houston maximized the value of its supporting members, from lob target Clint Capela to spot shooters like Ryan Anderson and Trevor Ariza. The Rockets were more explosive, more consistent, and more cutting-edge than the Thunder, posting the No. 2 offense in 2017 and a top-10 offense of the three-point era."
OKC Thunder Top 5 point guards:
More from Thunderous Intentions
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- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Sticking with former OKC Thunder players TI Scribe Will Brewer takes a look back through history creating his top 5 historical point guard list.
"Reggie Jackson, like him or not, was one of the most dynamic players to put on a Thunder jersey. He came from Boston College in 2011 and immediately made a name for himself with many highlight plays in Summer League play.The Thunder really got a chance to see what Jackson could do in the 2013 playoffs, following the injury to Russ. Jackson held his own and performed well in big moments. He got his opportunity to shine and he made the most of it."
That wraps up OKC Thunder in the news for September15. As you nestle into your TGIF moment, enjoy the start of your weekend. Be sure to check back with TI daily for all your Thunder