Houston Rockets star guard James Harden is the leader of Team USA which will be defending its title at the FIBA World Cup of Basketball starting this weekend, according to USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo.
The Washington Post quoted Colangelo as saying: "Right now, I think I would look to Harden as that leader. 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."
While Team USA still has the talent to run over the opposition in this year's tournament, the question of who will be their leader has become an interesting topic of discussion after reigning NBA MVP Kevin Durant back out of his commitment earlier this month.
Harden and New Orleans Pelicans center Anthony Davis are the only holdovers from the 2012 Olympic team in London following the withdrawals of Kevin Love and Russell Westbrook. With the squad missing some superstars and Team USA fixtures, the leadership role now rests on Harden's shoulders, at least according to Colangelo.
The former Phoenix Suns executive said Harden has shown during practices and games that he's ready to take on that leadership role.
"He came in as a pretty high draft pick. Got off to a great start in Oklahoma City," said Colangelo. "Whether he was disappointed or surprised by what transpired, he found himself in another uniform and that's part of life in pro sports and the NBA, and I think he's adjusted to that and his numbers get bigger and he's being recognized more and more as the player he is. And this is a great platform for him to come out as a leader."
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