The Rockets won 7 playoff series in the 8 years Harden played for the team. They have won 1 playoff series in the 21 seasons before and after Harden was on the team. You can call Harden a choker and I'd be inclined to agree with you. But perennial choker Harden still has been way, way, way, way more successful than anything else this team has done post-Hakeem. The bar for this team isn't very high unless you still cling to the glory years of the mid-90s.
That was an NBA move, not a Mavs one. Hence why they got the next generational talent in Cooper via the #1 pick when they had the lowest odds. That was a move for the Lakers to stay relevant once LeBron retires after next season.
I don't think anyone would rely on James Harden to be the best player on a championship team. But can he be a table setter for KD, Sengun, and our other guys? Absolutely.
KD is 37, carrying the scoring, and playing the 3rd most minutes in the league…it’s natural that he will take plays off in that scenario KD played 38 mpg in January which was 2nd in the NBA that month only behind Amen Thompson’s 38.7…Ime at one point played him 44 and 41 minutes on a B2B…he plays him that much because he’s so reliant on KD to keep the offense afloat at this rate, KD will be dead or out with injury by the time the playoffs start So just adding Harden is dropping this defense from 4th to average or below average? this team is nowhere close to contending for a championship as currently constructed with no PG and no one who can dribble against defensive pressure…the offense will get easily shut down
And this isn't the 2018 Rockets. You are the one who brought up his past. I am the one thinking about this year.
I don't think that's an issue. We have nothing we'd trade for him, and Ime won't want someone who can run an offense, anyway. "'Offense'? We don't need no steenkeeng offense! Play more 'D'!" I won't bring an extra pair of pants to work in case that's where I sh*t in them when learning of such a trade. Hope I don't live to regret it.
If you take a look at my rant over in the "why do we have so many close games" thread, I think it also translates here as to why trading for Harden probably doesn't help that much. The 3 point shooting still won't be there with Amen, and Sengun. You still probably want to go to Sengun and KD in their spots late in game. Both of their games aren't really great at setting up 3 point shots. Where Harden would help is maybe with the bench unit where you could run some iso/pick and roll when Sengun is out, and Capela is maybe. Other than that, I think if you run a Harden centric offense you probably take away from what Sengun and KD's game does now. Harden said it best himself when he said "he is the system." That's just what you need to do when Harden is on your team, and with this team I don't know that you have the shooting you need, or the lob threat.... and you take the ball out of Sengun's hands, and turn KD into just a jump shooter... even though I think he's amazing at that role as you saw in the time they played together with OKC, and Brooklyn.
No way Rockets can get this done unless FVV waves his No Trade. Not going to happen. Maybe with a 3rd team involved or we could get involved with our picks to get something we need in return.
Clippers want draft capital. I think you need those picks for the future. I just hope the rockets dont do anything foolish. Harden not taking you anywhere in the playoffs.
This is soooooooooo accurate! Blames Hard-on is a narcissistic sob.... idk how some people dont 'get it' at this point....
[Charania] James Harden wants to be with a team that offers long-term security beyond this season—something that was not guaranteed in Los Angeles. For Cleveland to acquire Harden at the deadline, an extension this summer would likely be necessary.
Can't take a big swing this season...Need to stay on course for this year and see how the team plays fully healthy next year. My belief is we would be the number two seed in the west if this team was fully healthy (FVV). Take a big swing next year if things are not going well. Stone usually plays it safe...and at this point I think its the right play.
