15 million a year. Scores in clutch, creates for others, can do pretty much everything. What's not to like? Yes please.
Goes both ways. Opposing team's top defenders aren't on Harden, allowing him better looks at the basket. His two memorable baskets this playoffs were against a rookie from Spurs and Jason Kidd's corpse. Doesn't take away from his clutchness one bit. I'd still love to have him on the team. He'll definitely get the max from somebody, but not sure he's truly worth the max (aka Morey won't pay).
How's he held back by Durant and Westbrook. Honestly, I believe it sort of helps his game. He might/will struggle more when defenses key in on him. Consider that teams cannot give him too much attention, because of Durant, Westbrook, and even to an extent Ibaka. Trade Durant out for say Lee ,Parsons, or Dragic. There's a big drop-off with that.
I love the guys game... it goes both ways that he is held back by having two superstars ahead of him as well as benefits him by getting lesser defenders... the thing is he is YOUNG... we havent had you allstar potential players since we drafted yao... its definately something we should consider... would he become joe.johnson? Maybe... but i believe hell become james harden... he plays the game and he plays it well... no need to unfairly judge him to jj... besides i dont think anyone will throw him jj money... 18-20 a yr i can see but not 25 a yr...
Imagine getting Dwight and signing Dwill, and then Harden next season....Every Rockets Fan's wet dream. Morey would get to breath for once.
I'm not sure about a max contract but I want to see this guy in our colours. Overall I hope our coach wont be a problem in Free Agency because not everybody can handle McHale and his way of coaching.
Harden is a much better play maker than JJ ever was. He can be used in more variety of ways as well. Still wouldn't pay Harden what JJ is being paid right now regardless...that is only top 5 player money.
Wonder what OKC would want to get n return for Hardin? I wouldn't mind dangling that #6 pick (traded for Lowry) + whatever in front of OKC and seeing what they say.
Can't we just Patrick Patterson to grow his own beard? Oh wait I forgot, you don't choose the beard. The beard chooses YOU.
Guys, harden is still under contract for next season, is he not? Why would okc trade him this offseason?? Lolll
You would probably have to pay Harden near that kind of money to come here......why would he want to play in houston otherwise?
IMHO, it's easy to be a great player when your playing along with other superstars. He is the second or third best player on his team. When you put him alone on a team full of crappy/mediocre players, he will be forgotten just like the rest of them.
I live in OKC and watch a lot of Thunder games. Harden has size can shoot, drive, handle, rebound, facilitate the offense and is 22. He is proving his value during these playoffs and will command a max contract. I think he is worth it... I questioned it before the playoffs but playoffs are where you make your name. The JJ's and Gays of the world got their money during the regular season.
If I were Sam Presti, I would call up Charlotte when they are on the clock on draft night and offer them Westbrook straight up for the #2 pick, take it or leave it. And I'd make sure it was a secret, that nobody else knew I was making that offer so I could deny it later.
