Jaylen Tatum
Veteran
http://thelab.bleacherreport.com/wa...m=referral&utm_campaign=programming-national1
By: Chris Palmer
Chapter 1. The Arrival
James Harden rests his weary bones on the side of the basket support. He’s just tossed up some 100 post-scrimmage threes to end a mid-November practice at the Rockets' downtown practice facility.
Beads of sweat drag-race down his forehead. His tattered Mohawk is at least two or three days overdue for a fresh lineup. He swigs an orange energy drink, then absentmindedly scratches that iconic beard that might be more famous than the guard it’s attached to.
A gaggle of Rockets are cooling their heels on folding chairs behind the basket. High tops are scattered on the floor. One player chisels off ankle tape. Another attaches ice bags to his knees. Some are starters, others have been pressed into duty thanks to the pesky injury bug that has plagued these surprise Rockets since the season began.
They turn their attention to the star guard. They have that post-practice glow knowing the day’s work is done. Harden looks relaxed.
Defensive stalwart Patrick Beverley stands a foot away to his left, leaning over, hands on his knees. Harden leans forward a touch more. The incessant drone of bouncing basketballs and coaches' instructions echoing off the walls drown him out to onlookers.
But the scene is far less about Harden’s anecdote than his teammates' reaction to it. Their body language says everything—we will follow you into battle, but a funny story will do for now.
"And then what did you do?" asks second-year point guard Isaiah Canaan with wide eyes.
Harden tilts his head slightly, shrugs his broad shoulders, then turns his palms skyward. He chuckles before swigging more orange potion.
"Nah, man, no way," says rookie forward Tarik Black.
Harden gets up. "Yeah, seriously," he says, those sleepy eyes coalescing with his nonchalance just so.
Laughter erupts from their small corner of the neighborhood. The players follow Harden across the practice floor and into the weight room.
This team is as safe a place as any for Harden, the once-reluctant leader, to continue his basketball evolution. His Rockets are unburdened by petty jealousy, anguished cries for more shots or complex agendas of egomaniacal future Hall of Famers.
They expect Harden to lead them. The mix of selfless teammates, a highly effective game plan and his restless earnestness provide the perfect crucible for Harden to evolve as an elite player and build the legacy he feels he deserves. "This just feels right," says Harden. "This is what I want."
By: Chris Palmer
Chapter 1. The Arrival
James Harden rests his weary bones on the side of the basket support. He’s just tossed up some 100 post-scrimmage threes to end a mid-November practice at the Rockets' downtown practice facility.
Beads of sweat drag-race down his forehead. His tattered Mohawk is at least two or three days overdue for a fresh lineup. He swigs an orange energy drink, then absentmindedly scratches that iconic beard that might be more famous than the guard it’s attached to.
A gaggle of Rockets are cooling their heels on folding chairs behind the basket. High tops are scattered on the floor. One player chisels off ankle tape. Another attaches ice bags to his knees. Some are starters, others have been pressed into duty thanks to the pesky injury bug that has plagued these surprise Rockets since the season began.
They turn their attention to the star guard. They have that post-practice glow knowing the day’s work is done. Harden looks relaxed.
Defensive stalwart Patrick Beverley stands a foot away to his left, leaning over, hands on his knees. Harden leans forward a touch more. The incessant drone of bouncing basketballs and coaches' instructions echoing off the walls drown him out to onlookers.
But the scene is far less about Harden’s anecdote than his teammates' reaction to it. Their body language says everything—we will follow you into battle, but a funny story will do for now.
"And then what did you do?" asks second-year point guard Isaiah Canaan with wide eyes.
Harden tilts his head slightly, shrugs his broad shoulders, then turns his palms skyward. He chuckles before swigging more orange potion.
"Nah, man, no way," says rookie forward Tarik Black.
Harden gets up. "Yeah, seriously," he says, those sleepy eyes coalescing with his nonchalance just so.
Laughter erupts from their small corner of the neighborhood. The players follow Harden across the practice floor and into the weight room.
This team is as safe a place as any for Harden, the once-reluctant leader, to continue his basketball evolution. His Rockets are unburdened by petty jealousy, anguished cries for more shots or complex agendas of egomaniacal future Hall of Famers.
They expect Harden to lead them. The mix of selfless teammates, a highly effective game plan and his restless earnestness provide the perfect crucible for Harden to evolve as an elite player and build the legacy he feels he deserves. "This just feels right," says Harden. "This is what I want."
Harden>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>your favorite player's favorite player
