In Houston, James Harden has blossomed to develop into a player many didn’t think he could become while still in OKC. While he’s still one of the worst perimeter defenders you’ve ever seen, what he does on the court was still good enough to earn him first team honors.
By nature of that distinction and his play this summer, Jerry Colangelo views Harden as Team USA’s “leader.” Harden isn’t the most important key to this team, but his veteran leadership must be reaching the younger guys.
“Right now, I think I would look to Harden as that leader,” USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said as his team continues to prepare for the tournament in which the winner earns an automatic berth in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. “Harden is kind of a natural leader and he seems to be willing to accept that role. And you can just kind of feel it and sense. He’s the one.”
H/T: Washington Post
