Nuggets, Hawks and Spurs are interested in Beal as well, so if you have any doubts about Beal you might want to reconsider your opinion.
I don't see why the Bobcats would trade with one of these teams, who have no high picks and will have to give up established players in return (like Josh Smith, Gallinari, Harden and who knows who from the Spurs). Specifically, the Bobcats won 7 frigging games last season, they would have to TRIPLE their number of wins just to be the 2nd worst team in the league. Even an "impact player" won't take them out of the NBA's basement by very much-- and what would be the point anyway? If you are hiring an ex-OKC guy like Cho and want to rebuild the "OKC way," why give away picks for a vet (even if a young vet) rather than continue to tank for more picks? Also, the non-rookies are closer to leaving your team or at least become very expensive than a draft pick is (particularly Josh Smith and Harden). I am not saying they need to intentionally get worse (and they can't get much worse than they already are), but they shouldn't mortgage the future to improve the present.
I've said since the college b-ball season ended that Beal is the 2nd best prospect in the draft. I think he could have a very good NBA future. But giving up Harden for him seems kinda crazy for OKC. Beal will never be as good a player as Harden and would be a giant step backwards next season. But it would save OKC a bunch of money starting in 2013/14.
Wow. So basically what you're saying is apart from Davis the rest of the draft has no player that will be as good as Harden? And even the 2nd best prospect is a giant step back from Harden? I like Harden and think he might be barely worth the max (like how Bosh is worth the max), but damn there are quite a lot of good prospects in this draft.
WOW, if there's an actual deal that OKC is trying to pursue and Harden is on the table (as restricted free agent). How do you not take that deal, if you are Charlotte? You are not going to find an Harden in draft, at least not right now. I'm not on the bandwagon that he's a superstar caliber player, but he definitely could be a booster for the Bobcats. Moreover, the Bobcats need start dealing some of their players for picks. If they have realistic shot at Harden or Ibaka.
The loaded way you say it is almost inflammatory. Are you a journalist? Next season, Beal will be a giant step down from Harden. I have no doubt about that. Longer term, if you look at Beal's skillset, Harden already does nearly all of what Beal is supposed to do if he pans out like most think. And, yes, I see this draft as Anthony Davis + 1 (Beal). All of the other prospects are huge question marks for me. If I had to choose the entire draft (sans Davis and Beal) vs. Harden, probably somebody will end up being as good as Harden. Somebody will stick to the wall and become a star. But compared to individuals, Harden is greater than each one except Davis.
Let's see if Harden can build on this one good season so far. He looked pretty shook toward the end though.
First thought: Oh no, I'd rather have MK-G! Second thought: This is just Presti negotiating with Harden... Third thought: Cho is negotiating with the Wizards (who want Beal).
John wall would have ran harden outta league. Scottie Brooks develop that okc team after Sonic's for sure. God speed Houston, United States, worldwide.
