T-Mac was one of the most talented players the NBA has ever seen (from a skill set and physical perspective), yet I don't think he's a better basketball player. What Harden lacks in talent and athleticism (compared to Tracy), he makes it up in strength, will AND maximizing what he's good at. What I love about James is that he was able to work hard in other areas of the game to compensate for his lack of athleticism. He has the deadliest step back jumpshot in the league, and embraces contact like no other player, relentlessly attacking the basket (something we begged Tracy to do). When Harden's jumpshot isn't falling, he just simply finds other ways to get us points. If T-Mac's jumpshot wasn't falling, he struggled, although he was always an excellent passer and facilitator.
I believe Tracy's darker day in Houston was an outcome of frustration and of a physically worn down, injury-plagued player that was struggling with the acceptance of not being able to be "the alpha" on a team anymore. He couldn't do the things he was used to doing anymore, and for a player that was once compared to Kobe Bryant, that must of been really frustrating. I enjoyed Tracy's time here, I believe we got to see one of the more tented players we've seen in basketball, there were nights he showed flashes of being the very best and of course it was incredibly frustrating not being able to watch that team achieve any playoff success. My two cents.