Three... two .... one... annnnd the media has now turned against James Harden. Good luck James! You're now "over payed" and "over rated" because you were Rockets Red.
ESPN Stats + Info: http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/46842/will-lin-transition-to-rockets-offense
Yep...and his family just moved to Houston. Someone should have told him that Morey has a revolving trade door and to not get comfortable.
Of the group I mentioned, Lin and Asik scare me somewhat. Parsons, I expect solid glue guy out of him, like a Tayshaun Prince. That said, all Asik needs to do is play defense and rebound, so I don't see that as me asking a lot. Lin is the key. If he wasn't a fluke last year, then they definitely have something building long term. If he was, then yes, they still have a ways to go, even if they can get a great scoring power forward to put next to Asik. I also don't ask that others agree with my opinions. I just wanted to hear a different argument with reason and logic thrown behind it. My response was meant to start discussion, nothing less nothing more.
Kevin Martin is said to be ecstatic over the trade. I can't believe that we traded the Toronto pick as well...that is a shocker. Basically K.Mart, Lowry(Toronto pick), Lamb and Jordan Hill (Fisher into Dallas pick) for Harden and scrubs. I hope that Harden brings it, and shows that he is an All-Star caliber player capable of carrying a team.
1) He is just as much max material as Joe Johnson was, if not more, being that JJ was a 4th option for PHX. 2) It is lunacy to suggest that 2 of Houston's top 3 signings would be given only 1 year to see what they can do in our rebuilding mode. We would not offer Harden a 5 year max contract if we were planning on giving up on him after one season. 3) This will be his first season as a starter. His efficiency stats alone highly suggest that he will put up even bigger numbers with increased minutes and more shot opportunities. 4) I agree with many others on this thread. Please. Stop. Posting. Forever.
It's funny. Because Stephen A smith said "Sad to see him go." Where did he Go Stephen A? Dude is still playing in the NBA lol.
I'm scared Lin is going to struggle cause the ball will not be in his hands as much. As long as he plays good D, facilitates the offense, and the team wins, I will be happy. I just feel his scoring will plummet unless he becomes a better spot up shooter.
I think its a good trade for both teams...I also think its a move Morey had to make. But, I think the overwhelming majority of people here overrated our current lineup. Playoffs, maybe. 4th or 5th seed? I dont see that at all. I think 40 wins would be an accomplishment.
Harden is a fantastic piece and their only future all star caliber type player on the team. To say they are a power forward away from contending for a championship with this team is a bit of a stretch to me. James-Wade-Bosh, Kobe-Gasol-Howard and Parker-Ginobli-Duncan ect. You have to have multilple all star horses to seriously contend for a championship. Yes the rockets just aquired one of the elite young talents from a contending team who was protecting their cap space, but they will need many more big moves for them to contend. Harden should help make Houston more attractive to other players.
She is really cut at the moment...she even changed her little Athletics number to #12 to be like K-Mart because he sent her a signed jersey. I just showed her the photoshop of Harden in Rockets colours and she is happy that he wears #13 like her daddy...but... She can't have #13...that's my number!
I can see that, but Harden has the balls to the be the man down the stretch of games, and has closed out tough playoff opponents. Johnson has never done either.
@ChrisMannixSI: Houston can max Harden out with a five-year deal worth nearly $80 million, and probably will.
