James Harden traded to the Rockets

[Archerbro]

This thread is just further confirmation that Harden is overrated on here. I suggest some of you guys stop jerking off to his advanced stats and watch him play.

can't tell if this is an argument for or against harden.

but he's a top 5 sg in this league, probably 3rd valuable after Kobe/Wade.

[Neutral 123]

Kevin Martin NOR Jeremy lamb are Harden. I think some people are selling Harden short. OKC will not be a better team and Lamb while a decent prospect will never be Harden.

For harden, while he left a championship team, this will probably be better for his career. He's too good to be coming off the bench. He's really going to shine in Houston. If Lin can be some of what he was in NY and they eventually trade some of there assets (of which they still have a lot) for a good big man.. They will be in business.

No. This is Joe Johnson leaving the Suns.


Monetary wise, yeah this is great for Harden. Winning Basketball games...no

That didn't work out too well for the Suns either.

[C-izMe]

Who really cares about Martin's volume scoring when he can't create for himself at all? When he's not as efficient as Harden? When he can't create for others at all, while Harden is one of the best in the league at it?

People talking about Martin's volume scoring being an advantage over Harden...are you really trying to argue he's better offensively than Harden? And how is the offense going to do with Westbrook being the main ball handler and playmaker now, since Martin certainly can't do what Harden did in that role?

Did you say Martin can't create for himself? He clearly can. Actually that's the only thing he can do. Harden is better offensively in a vaccum but (and it's funny because I was talking about this earlier) he's not when playing next to KD and Westbrook. They need someone who can score 20 while barely touching the ball (which is what KMart does). Westbrook was a playmaker for 2 years prior and their offense was just fine.

[PurpleRooster]

Exposed in the playoffs? What the hell are you talking about? He was awesome up until the Finals, where he had two extremely poor games against the best wing tandem in the league (including being forced to guard the best and most physical force in the league), and one game where he only played 20 minutes.

Since when do two crappy games going against LeBron James as a young player count as being exposed?

He has been exposed for being a third option. He is an all-star but not a superstar. His game has many recognizable flaws He is a third option. He isn't going to carry a franchise.

He could of taken less money (but still a fortune), stayed in a team oriented system, been part of a perennial finals contender/potential dynasty for the next 5+ years. He could of been a Ginoboli type player (as OKC as a franchise was shaping up like San Antonio), this is a classic mistake proven and again in NBA history.

He blew it.

[wackywabbit]

Harden turned down OKC and likely fancies the opportunity to put his talent to greater use as a no.1 option and getting his money at the same time. I think Harden is a very happy camper right now.

And he'll probably never win a title now. So, yay.

I don't think most players value title-contending as much as we all think they do (should?). Adam Morrison is a two time champion.

I mean if you're a LeBron who is getting the money, acclaim, and ability to be the focal point regardless of what team you're on, then it makes some sense to take the strongest/easiest path to a championship, but that's an exceptional case.

[djay]

Tier 1: Heats: Lakers

Tier 2: OKC, Clippers, Spurs, Celtics, Bulls (if Rose is healthy)

Tier 3: 76ers, Pacers, Grizzlies, Mavs (if Dirk is healthy), Nets, Knicks

Tier 4: Blazers, Rockets, Warriors, Wolves (would move up to Tier 3 if Roy is healthy but I doubt it)

Tier 5: Bucks, Wizard, Hornets, Cavs, Raptors, the bottom feeder teams

[[GR]]

How will Hardena and Lin co-exist? Both need the ball. Harden was the de-facto PG when he was on the court.

[DreDay]

Am I the only one that notices that Harden is 6 years younger, has nearly a 10% higher FG% and injury free.

Kevin Martin chucks in Houston because he's the #1. His FG% will be around 47-50% this year if he plays a Harden role.

[lazfa199]

I hope we see the Lakers and Spurs in western conference finals this year and the Heat and Celtics in the eastern conference finals

[Guy986]

Kevin Martin before the rule changes = an asset

Kevin Martin now = worthless

Kevin Martin now= open looks all day long thanks to Westbrook and Durant.

Before the rules change, he was the man on the Kings. Martin had to drive the lane to score. He had to create offense. That won't be the case any longer.

Martin has posted some ridiculous True Shooting stats. He will be an asset to the Thunder.

Martin can spot up behind the 3 pt line and fire all day. I think hes one of the best.

But if the Thunder expect Martin to replace Harden's all around game and playmaking ability, they are in a world of shock.

KEvin Martin is one of the worst ball handler 2 guard in the league.

[TheToothFairy]

Come on people, Lamb has the potential to be pretty good, but a star? come on

He has as much upside and harden

He doesn't have as much upside as Harden if that is what you are trying to say... there is a reason despite he wasn't considered the clear best swing player in the draft like Harden was. Common... stop and think before you post.

I disagree! He can shoot,handle, he is long, defends, athletic and comes from a good pedigree.

AND they have 2 first picks

Stop and ink about that

[StitchJones]

Kevin Martin NOR Jeremy lamb are Harden. I think some people are selling Harden short. OKC will not be a better team and Lamb while a decent prospect will never be Harden.

For harden, while he left a championship team, this will probably be better for his career. He's too good to be coming off the bench. He's really going to shine in Houston. If Lin can be some of what he was in NY and they eventually trade some of there assets (of which they still have a lot) for a good big man.. They will be in business.

No. This is Joe Johnson leaving the Suns.


Monetary wise, yeah this is great for Harden. Winning Basketball games...no

THe Joe Johnson example is PERFECT.

This is a guy that can thrive as a second or third best player, he isn't a franchise carrying talent.

We don't know that. He's never had the chance to prove it. And when I say better for his career, I'm talking personal career, ie money, stats, all star appearances. If he stayed in OKC he would be relegated to being a 6th man his whole career. Now he is going to start, probably average 20+ with 5 and 5, which will put him in max contract range for quite some time. That's a LOT of money to pass up to be a 6th man on a good team that still has no guarantees of winning it all. I also think this move has made Houston a great destination spot for a top big man, either via free agency or trade as Houston still has assets.

[Muggsy Bogues]

This thread is just further confirmation that Harden is overrated on here. I suggest some of you guys stop jerking off to his advanced stats and watch him play.

can't tell if this is an argument for or against harden.

but he's a top 5 sg in this league, probably 3rd valuable after Kobe/Wade.

How can a guy with not even the slightest semblance of a midrange game be the league's 3rd best SG? I call shenanigans.

[Little Digger]

I'll bet Presti offered Harden to Golden State for Klay.

[reapaman]

OKC did great, I think Martin will do wonders off the bench and lamb can be that servicable swingman off the bench they needed last year in his rookie season. Houston gets another attractive peice to make them better now instead of later.

My only problem with this deal is, Houston just added another big man (Cole) to their team? OKC couldn't get one of those guys?

[Yuri Vaultin]

Am I the only one that notices that Harden is 6 years younger, has nearly a 10% higher FG% and injury free.

And 3 yrs older and 57 mil more expensive than Lamb

PLUS they will have 3 first picks

Yes and Terence Jones is younger and cheaper than Kevin Durant... So therefore better?

I don't understand how so many can anoint Lamb a star and downplay Harden. Are you all drunk on potential and blind to little things called facts?

[deNIEd]

And unless Lamb turns out to be Richard Hamilton 2.0, neither will the Thunder.

I don't understand why people believe OKC needs Harden so bad.

They already have Durant (top 2 player) and Westbrook (top 10-15 player). Both are fantastic scorers and can carry a team by themselves offensively.

OKC is not a big market and small market teams cannot win with talent along. Cap space is a reality for small market teams (something you Laker fans don't understand and will never understand...you're lucky no STFU).

Now Durant and Westbrook do need help in order to win. However, that help doesn't need to come from a third superstar/star player. Instead it can be well balanced and team based, such as the Spurs.

If Presti and OKC feels Jones can develop into a star player, then why not move Harden in order to keep your defensive anchors in Ibaka and Perkins as well as improve your depth and flexibility in long term assets/movements.

[LoneyROY]

Kristin Chenoweth disapproves.

Kristin Chenoweth ‏@KChenoweth
Someone better tell me Harden did NOT get traded to the Rockets.

Kristin Chenoweth ‏@KChenoweth
This is a massive mistake losing Harden to the Rockets. Huge.

[Nowitness]

They got deeper at the two, got what should be good draft picks, and other than Harden, they gave up bench players. They're still in the top tier IMO.

[Muggsy Bogues]

I'll bet Presti offered Harden to Golden State for Klay.

Now that would've been a good deal for OKC.