WEEK 3, DEBATE 1: Brandon Jennings vs. James Harden

        

VS.

Who would you rather have this season: Brandon Jennings or James Harden?

JENNINGS' REP:

"The future. That’s how I’ll describe Brandon Jennings. In a time when it’s hard to pin-point that classic all-compassing point-guard, it’s a credit to Jennings that he continues to shine in all facets of the game – namely a high scorer and a wonderfully efficient assister. And what’s more impressive is that Jennings is improving! Although Harden has come on well himself, it’s hard to compare him to someone who’s been a starter and has carried the burden of his team. Jennings is not only a fine manager of the game but an explosive weapon on offense as shown by his 55 points against Golden State in November 2009 – at just age 19. With his array of skills, clever link-play, shooting, speed and all-round athleticism Jennings offers more pound-for-pound to a team than Harden. Jennings is an elite talent – one that will continue to wow the NBA for some time."

HARDEN'S REP:

"If I have to make a choice between these two young talents for next season, James Harden is my clear choice. Harden is a durable player that is scary when driving the lane. An instant-offense machine, Harden was the only player other than Durant that could create any offensive opportunities during OKC’s great playoff run. At an efficient FG rate of 47.5% in the playoffs and an incredible 53.5% in the Western Conference Finals, everyone was wondering why Harden wasn’t starting. Every OKC fan is hoping he gets that chance this season. Only the opposite could be said about Brandon Jennings. His inability to make shots really hurts his team. Unlike a player like Rondo, who may shoot poorly but can still dish assists, Jennings doesn’t possess that capability. He owns a sub .400 FG% paired with an inferior 49% True Shooting percentage. I have to choose Harden over Jennings."

JENNINGS' REP:

"Points taken, but starting a season I’m taking someone who’s proven he can lead a team, something we shouldn’t forget when speaking of Jennings – named to the 2010 All-Rookie First Team despite playing for what wasn’t exactly an elite side. Jennings has superior vision and can score without dominating the ball. His FG% is low because he’s shooting more often than Harden due to carrying his team’s offense. Still, Jennings has handled the pressure excellently and, truth be told, his only obstacle last season was injury. It’s different for Harden who’s under no pressure to gun-sling; that job is firmly with Durant and Westbrook. Jennings averaged 14.7 attempts-per-game (2010-11), almost double Harden’s numbers. Furthermore, these are mostly difficult shots Jennings has created through moments of magic. He’s also clutch. In 2009-10, Jennings’ Playoff production improved to a big-time 18.7 points-per-game, 3.0 rebounds-per-game and 3.6 assists-per-game. That’s Young Money for you."

HARDEN'S REP:

"I don’t see how being a starting PG for a non-contending team qualifies as a proven leader. 'Jennings... can score without dominating the ball?' Isn’t his low FG%, high PPG and low assists (for a PG) suggest that he’s selfish and dominates the ball? Don’t his 'difficult shots... created through moments of magic' at .390 FG% mean he is a poor leader who doesn’t trust his teammates? I can’t take that risk when I can choose an upwards-trending player like Harden. Yes! Harden’s 2011 Playoff averages were significant. I don’t see any for Jennin... oh that’s right, he wasn’t in the Playoffs last year. Better teams, bigger stage, tougher game-to-game strategies and yet Harden's still a scoring phenom. Let’s get real, a superior player already with a kick-ass PR-line: 'Fear the Beard.'"

Who won this debate? Go to the right sidebar to cast your vote!