In theory, Harden has all the skills to be a very impactful player in his decline. Always had that old man's game. I think the problem, much like with Melo, is the ego. Instead of accepting his role of 3rd or 4th banana, he'll likely still try to be the main guy, trying to score in isolation mostly settling for contested stepback threes.
I think the problem is on defense. Obviously he's already bad on defense, and it will only get worse. When his offense ceases to be great enough to offset his defensive problems, he will be unplayable. Old man Harden would be picked on every single possession when on defense, and his occasional spot-ups or post-ups on the other end won't be nearly enough to make up for it.
Dude one of them guys that you can't have barber shop talk with but is on an opinionated forum saying everybody stupid for what if scenarios... Seems he'd be better suited for CNN news forums...
There is an upper limit on years a player can sign a max contract after 37, lebron can only sign a 2 year deal for this reason. Does anyone know if that applies to the players age throughout the contract, or if you can sign a 5 year max at 36? I am wondering if Morey found a way to both help the Sixers in short term and Harden in long term, if thats the case it is very much a Morey move. This Philly roster is not going to win. However, I think only philly will give harden a super max in a year or two when hes 35 and probably max him out until he is 40 if the CBA allows. There is no reason for us to offer this.
You and your friends don't care for Harden one bit, but he was brought up in conversations in which he was discussed in great detail, and now you're spending time, asking for strangers' opinions on someone you don't care about? Riiiiiight. Anyway, it'd be Houston. The only reason LeBron was a big deal was because he's closer to toppling Jordan than anyone in NBA history for GOAT status and the fact that he was born less than an hour away from Cleveland. Also, Cleveland was starving for anything. From 1970-2003, they missed the playoffs for 20 of those years, and only made the conference finals twice. In 33 years. The narrative of LeBron winning one in The Land dwarfs any other player's narrative, imo. Westbrook or Durant going back to OKC and winning a title would outweigh someone like Harden going back to OKC and doing the same thing.
If Harden ever gets a ring, he won't be the guy. He'll be a veteran getting his on the back of a star. It won't define his career, it will add a shine to it. I'd rather he do it here, because that means the Rockets win a championship.
I’m well aware. I also know the thought of Harden returning to play a major role in us winning a championship is about as likely/silly as the Westbrook fanbois in OKC wishing/thinking he’ll come back and lead the Thunder to a Championship.
