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07:59 AM ET 10.24 | While a preseason game in October does not a career make, James Harden's Tuesday night effort had the air of a test. Both Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook didn't suit up, which meant the Beard would finally get a long-awaited chance to be the no. 1 option versus a top defense like the Bulls. Harden never really wanted this, dating all the way back to the draft when he reportedly actually wanted to be picked by OKC because he could fit in rather than dealing with the pressure of being "the man." But anyone on the cusp of getting a max contract should be willing to test themselves. It's safe to say Harden failed this one. ... He shot 2-for-17 (not a typo), and finished with only 13 points in nearly 38 minutes of game time.

James Harden, Icon Sports

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October 24, 2012 08:31 AM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 08:16 AM ET 10.24 by M3AT

contract years are never great times to reveal your flaws

That and also a no show in the finals doesn't help out much.

eddieinportland

Portland , OR

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October 24, 2012 08:34 AM ET

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If you don't want to be"The Man" then you aren't going to get paid like one.

h2opololpunk

Gainesville, FL

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October 24, 2012 09:06 AM ET

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I tell you some of you are so quick to judge... Kid is young and improving every year.. he'll get a borderline Max contract if not by the Thunder then by someone else.. Plenty of teams will pony up a Max deal to make him leave if the Thunder are dumb enough to let him test restricted Free Agency

Swauny Jones

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October 24, 2012 09:17 AM ET

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Originally posted 09:16 AM ET 10.24 by Mecca of Celtic City!

Problem is, teams like the Suns and maybe Houston will give him near max money.

It's not really a problem... he'd do really well on both of those rosters.. kid is worth the money...

Swauny Jones

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October 24, 2012 09:34 AM ET

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Originally posted 09:21 AM ET 10.24 by jgb

he is a sixth mancould he start- absolutely- but don't forget- he isn't that tall and isn't a pg-his ideal role is a scorer off the benchand on this particular team- with 2 max guys and another almost maxare you telling me that his particular skill set is worth a max?

That's only his ideal role because he's on the Thunder where Durant and Westbrook have never seen a shot they didn't like... if you had them all on the floor at the same time it would cause problems.. you're also forgetting he's also their best wing defender as is called upon to defend the other teams best wing player on a nightly basis. Put him on any other team in the league and he'd easily show his worth in gold for them. Pretty common knowledge if you ask me..