NBA Comparison: James Harden

Strengths: 6’6 left-handed combo guard … Good size and length with a 6’10 wingspan. Strong frame, initiates and handles contact well. Still gets his shot off when absorbing contact in the air on layups. Draws fouls at a good rate. Shot 5.5 free throws per game over the Nike EYBL in 2023 … Plays on and off the ball … Good ball-handler and changes speed well with the ball. Good in the pick & roll and solid slashing ability. Reacts well to the defense with a counter when his initial path gets cut off, whether it’s changing direction himself or finding the open teammate. Balanced and has good body control at the rim … Plays at a good pace and doesn’t get rushed … Sees the floor and passes well. Accurate bounce passes. Distributes very well in the half-court and keeps turnovers low considering his volume/usage with the ball. Averaged a 2nd best 5.3 assists to 2.1 turnovers per game over the Nike EYBL and 3 assists to 0.4 turnovers per game at the U19 World Cup in 2023. Impacts the game without scoring … Scores inside with natural touch around the rim. Always squared up when moving, often finds the bottom of the net after spins and other maneuvers at the rim. Uses glass when appropriate. Averaged 18.9 points per game on 50.4% FG% over the Nike EYBL in 2023 … Very good rebounder for position. Averaged 7.1 rebounds per game over the Nike EYBL in 2023 … Plays with some tenacity …

Weaknesses: Isn’t an incredibly explosive leaper or possesses high-level quickness. While he scores a lot in the paint, he’s usually not finishing above the rim. May struggle defending quicker players on the perimeter at the next level. Gets beat on closeouts at times … Capable of shooting from distance and shows shooting touch but lacks some arc and can improve 3PT consistency. Shot 33.3% 3PT% on 4.5 3PT attempts per game over the Nike EYBL and 25% 3PT% on 2.9 3PT attempts per game at the U19 World Cup in 2023 … Can improve as a free throw shooter. Shot 59.1% FT% over the Nike EYBL in 2023 … Needs more consistency on midrange pull-up … Can improve using right hand at the rim. Even when driving right, he looks to come back to finish with his left hand. Can improve finishing technique as some drives are forced and gets caught in the crowd …

Outlook: Son of Ron Harper and brother of Ron Harper Jr. … 2023 Naismith High School All-American 2^nd Team … Played in the 2023 UA Next Elite 24 …

Evan Tomes 10/18/23