Official Speculation Thread (Pt. XLVIII"Preseason"Ed.)

[Cigamodnalro]

I think the above trade would be conditional on Harden signing an extension out the gate, and that the only way in the world it would happen would be if OKC decides he's not worth the max, he decides he won't sign for less, and Hennigan finds a way to convince him (his agent) that ORL is the place for him to be a focal point and grow into a superstar.

Not saying it's likely. But I'd love to see that whole scenario come to fruition.

[CourtsideTV]

harden is not that amazing. he just fits the okc style.

[J the Drafter]

harden is not that amazing. he just fits the okc style.

He had a hand injury in the Finals, reportedly. He can run the pick-and-roll and he gets to the free throw line a lot. Analyze his play, sure, but he sounds pretty capable.

[J the Drafter]

^^And Perkins has nothing on offense. With no true shot-creator on our team, and offensive liability like him is probably more than we can afford.

Baby, Harden, Meer, Moore, Harrington are all capable of creating their own shots, and some are capable of creating opportunities for others. and we've yet to see what Harkless can do.

Perkins can just set screens all game long for all I care. if the offense is creative enough, his man won't be able to cheat off him even if he's just setting screens.

I was using "shot-creation" in the same sense that most other fans have when looking at our team. I agree that those players can create, but the offense will go more smoothly with passing regardless. Since Perkins can't shoot or effectively post, it becomes a problem if the ball touches his hands; he can't draw defensive attention, and he can't exploit a lack of defensive attention to score. That said, Harden is may be worth it, though we'll have to see if the Finals were just an aberration.

[glennathan]

Here is something from Twitter you all might like

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[Bensational]

I think the above trade would be conditional on Harden signing an extension out the gate, and that the only way in the world it would happen would be if OKC decides he's not worth the max, he decides he won't sign for less, and Hennigan finds a way to convince him (his agent) that ORL is the place for him to be a focal point and grow into a superstar.

Not saying it's likely. But I'd love to see that whole scenario come to fruition.

Harden/Harkless/Nicholson is a solid core to start with. add in at least 2 1st round picks (wherever they may fall), and enough cap space to sign a Max FA, and this team could be right back into contention by 2014.

[cb1115]

Magic trade: Arron Afflalo, JJ Redick, Nikola Vucevic, Josh McRoberts, Denver #1, Philadelphia #1, Denver #2
Oklahoma City trades: James Harden (extended @ max), Kendrick Perkins contract, Cole Aldrich contract, Daequan Cook

Magic trade: Hedo Turkoglu, Gustavo Ayon
Magic receive: Stephen Jackson, Matt Bonner
Magic release: Stephen Jackson

C: Kendrick Perkins, Matt Bonner, Cole Aldrich
PF: Glen Davis, Andrew Nicholson, Kyle O'Quinn
SF: Moe Harkless, Al Harrington, Quentin Richardson
SG: James Harden, Daequan Cook, Daequan Jones
PG: Jameer Nelson, E'Twaun Moore, Ish Smith

/wishfulthinkingx10000

I'd hit it.

[MoMM]

Magic trade: Arron Afflalo, JJ Redick, Nikola Vucevic, Josh McRoberts, Denver #1, Philadelphia #1, Denver #2
Oklahoma City trades: James Harden (extended @ max), Kendrick Perkins contract, Cole Aldrich contract, Daequan Cook

Magic trade: Hedo Turkoglu, Gustavo Ayon
Magic receive: Stephen Jackson, Matt Bonner
Magic release: Stephen Jackson

C: Kendrick Perkins, Matt Bonner, Cole Aldrich
PF: Glen Davis, Andrew Nicholson, Kyle O'Quinn
SF: Moe Harkless, Al Harrington, Quentin Richardson
SG: James Harden, Daequan Cook, Daequan Jones
PG: Jameer Nelson, E'Twaun Moore, Ish Smith

/wishfulthinkingx10000

I think we'd be giving up a lot for Harden. Not sure we should do that.

I agree.

And why this trade with Spurs? Doesn't help us at all and we trade Ayon for nothing.

[ChosenSavior]

Magic trade: Arron Afflalo, JJ Redick, Nikola Vucevic, Josh McRoberts, Denver #1, Philadelphia #1, Denver #2
Oklahoma City trades: James Harden (extended @ max), Kendrick Perkins contract, Cole Aldrich contract, Daequan Cook

Magic trade: Hedo Turkoglu, Gustavo Ayon
Magic receive: Stephen Jackson, Matt Bonner
Magic release: Stephen Jackson

C: Kendrick Perkins, Matt Bonner, Cole Aldrich
PF: Glen Davis, Andrew Nicholson, Kyle O'Quinn
SF: Moe Harkless, Al Harrington, Quentin Richardson
SG: James Harden, Daequan Cook, Daequan Jones
PG: Jameer Nelson, E'Twaun Moore, Ish Smith

/wishfulthinkingx10000

I think we'd be giving up a lot for Harden. Not sure we should do that.

I agree.

And why this trade with Spurs? Doesn't help us at all and we trade Ayon for nothing.

Trading for their expiring contracts perhaps...

It's all moot anyways, the Spurs wouldn't do that trade.

[trebone]

I am not quite sure why but I am not that enamored with James harden, maybe its that he is a 6th man and does play quite a few minutes against backups?

[ChosenSavior]

I am not quite sure why but I am not that enamored with James harden, maybe its that he is a 6th man and does play quite a few minutes against backups?

I'm not enamored with him either despite the gaudy advance statistics that he does put up in that role.

[RYgoBOOM]

I posted a million times I hope the Magic somehow snag Harden this year in a sign and trade.

he loves OKC but I think he thinks he can be a superstar if he gets out of Durant/Westbrooks shadow



For those doubting him. Yes he does come in as the first sub but that is usually against starters...

He doesn't just come in right when the **** on the other team subs in. He plays 30+ minutes a game. A few minutes shy of Durant and Westbrook......It's not like he's getting a 2nd unit to play against every single game.

Earned>Given lol

[MagicStarwipe]

Harden is a complimentary player and always will be. He'll probably never even be the number 2 guy on a championship team.

[RYgoBOOM]

Harden is a complimentary player and always will be. He'll probably never even be the number 2 guy on a championship team.

I respectfully disagree

[BadMofoPimp]

Harden is a complimentary player and always will be. He'll probably never even be the number 2 guy on a championship team.

You are correct, he probably would be the number 1 guy on a championship team. But, that all depends on maturity and motivation. He has the physical tools down.

[Leopold_Stoich]

James Harden said that he enjoys being the 6th man, it's a role he is used to. I'm sure that he's going to sign a deal with Okc and it won't be a max deal. Im sure that there are teams willing to give him the max deal but who? As far as Orlando goes I would love to see him in an Orlando jersey but the possibility is very small simply because our team doesn't have any sign of being a contending team for at least 3 years.

[trebone]

It would be sweet to sport the fake beard at home games!

[tiderulz]

Harden is a complimentary player and always will be. He'll probably never even be the number 2 guy on a championship team.

You are correct, he probably would be the number 1 guy on a championship team. But, that all depends on maturity and motivation. He has the physical tools down.

unless he has to cover many SG's that are faster than him, or SF's that are taller than him.

[WeAreVenom]

Harden is a complimentary player and always will be. He'll probably never even be the number 2 guy on a championship team.

You are correct, he probably would be the number 1 guy on a championship team. But, that all depends on maturity and motivation. He has the physical tools down.

unless he has to cover many SG's that are faster than him, or SF's that are taller than him.

COuld he play PG?

[trebone]

^ no, I would rather have Redick at point than Harden