Positive comments from Wood about playing with harden: "“It’s remarkable, man,” Wood said of Harden. “What he does on the floor, the way he operates, it’s crazy. I couldn’t really explain it to you. I don’t really know what James Harden’s ceiling is. Playing with him, he makes me look great. I’m gonna keep setting as many picks for him as I can.”
This is a stretch. If you want to talk about purely on the offensive end...maybe. I think Wood is actually pretty close to Davis on that end. I had pretty high expectations for him offensively and he's exceeded them so far. But defensively is a gap that will never be closed. Wood is a below average defender and AD is a DPOY level player.
Wood to me is #3-4 option on a contending team. Having John Wall certainly helps solidify #2 option. Wood being Harden's #2 is shaky, considering his lack of sustained good play. But thats great considering contract value, skillset, & other role players like Cousins around him. *Edit: Mean to say 3rd best 'player', for title contending team. As of today.
Wood is averaging 5 more points and a rebound more per game more than Anthony Davis. Not only could be be a #2 option, he has #1 option potential.
I actually meant 3rd best player overall, for a title contending team. Not scoring. He's certainly #2 scoring potential. Grading him overall with defense, rebounding, & possibly playmaking included, yet to be seen how that holds up over a full season. Before giving him keys to the franchise. But thats just for title contention, top 6 teams (what Harden wants). Overall just any team, yes he's 1-2 potential
Am I the only one who remembers him from the Rockets summer league years ago? I remember being upset he didn't make the team, but I don't see anyone else talking about it. Also, I could totally be making this up in my head as I can't find anything on it, but I thought he also played for us for a small bit right before the playoffs but was cut at the last minute. Maybe I'm wrong on that one.
Agreed, but it is fun to be optimistic as a fan. I still see Wood as being faster and probably a better jumper, but there is more to being athletic than run/jump. Hi hands seem to be equal. The best comparison might be Wood now with Davis as a rookie or second year player.