Or to save d Waiters from constant comparisons to Harden? Taking #13 and filling the 6th man role would lead to that inevitably, and there is no way he would live up to those expectations.
If Houston were to do that... we wouldn't allow #11, #1, #3. It's not like he won them any championships, I'm hoping its to shy away from people comparing whoever wears it with Harden but in all fairness that is BS. It's just a #. So what if whoever wears #23 doesn't put up Hardin's numbers... what are people gonna do throw eggs at him?
I don't think anyone has worn 11 since. And OKC does not issue out the number 20 and I think 40 also.
#23 did not get drafted and play for OKC for three seasons and then traded away because of a cheap owner.
The fact the Thunder traded him rather than wanting to see how that last season panned out is probably sore to KD and Westbrook
Yup, #11 is going to be retired, I think Leslie might save that for the 50th year of Rockets existence or when before he sells it.
Seeing someone from their team wear #13 will only be a constant reminder on how bad the Harden trade was. That's the only reason i can come up with.
The Starters made OKC the "Worst of the Week" for this, and I agree with their take on it: that being that OKC is so concerned about rightly being criticized for that trade, that they do not want to call attention to it by allowing people acquired in the trade or who play the same position, to be able to wear HarDens number, and thus raise comparisons and rememberances of the trade.
They're preparing for when Harden simultaneously becomes the greatest player in NBA history AND the man who breaks down the beard barrier--thereby prompting the league office to retire the number across all teams.
I think they are hoping Harden plays for them again at some point and it burns them on how bad that trade now looks.
The Thunder organization is just overly protective. Completely idiotic reasoning. Is anyone dumb enough to compare Waiters to Harden?
