That was a true hard wood game . We may have just saw the start of a partnership that could tear the league apart. I hope Harden and Woods have a few private sessions practicing the pick and pop and roll to get a great synch going
I think a lot of people are seeing Christian Woods play as an indication for the front office to try and convince Harden to stay; I think it’s the exact opposite is happening. With a promising player already on our roster, they probably think that we’re not doomed by trading Harden and seeing that he will be unhappy again next offseason it’s probably best to move on now. For example, say Ujiri offers Siakam and Powell; that was not the haul we were expecting, but toss in one future first rounder and you now have Siakam and Wood front court at the ages of 25 and 26 and locked up for 3 years, with veterans like Wall EG and Powell, along with a prospect in Tate, a team that will most definitely stay competitive (albeit probably lower seed), all the while recouping a picks to try to either build for the future, use in a package for another young baller to pair with Wood and Siakam, or to unload Wall if he turns out to still be a bad contract (injuries or what not). Also we gain a bunch of salary cap. I don’t want this to happen but I’m thinking this is what’s going to happen, and I’m now thinking Raptors are front runners. Wall EG Powell Siakam Wood House Tate Cousins BenMc Portland 1st rounder. Toronto 1st rounder. (Washington and Detroit’s which don’t count to me and I still think Stone is an idiot for not being able to get a better pick out of Washington) PJ will either be included in the Toronto trade or flipped for another asset.
Wood is THAT good. Everyone saying "it's just the preseason let's not get too hyped" sell me your stock now I'll take it all. He scored in every single way tonight. Spot up 3s, coast to coast layups, pick and roll finisher, triple threat. This guy is the truth and Harden will unlock all the best facets of his game. He scored 25ppg in Detroit late last year with freaking Rose as his playmaker.
****, if we get Siakam, Powell along with Wood, we would no longer need to rebuild. That's a playoff team already. With that all you need is another star and we are contenders essentially. But I doubt Raptors will give up Siakam.
