The “give me Harden over FVV” takes are embarrassing

Really no point arguing with idiots. They argue about irrelevant things unrelated to the thread or discussions on here. Irredeemable

 

But Harden hasn't been the system since he left the Rockets. He was not the first option on either the Sixers nor the Nets. Nor was he first option on the Clippers. If you watch basketball you'd know this.

Also, in 2025, the Rockets are also a better team than the Milwaukee Bucks. Does this mean you wouldn't trade FVV for "actually the system Giannis"?

 

Harden has always been a focal point of the offense. (He's never been the focal point of the defense, btw, unlike Giannis). If Harden is not the #1 option, then he's the #2 option. FVV is probably the 4th or 5th option. Apples/Oranges.

If the Rockets were able to trade for Giannis, they'd need to completely rework the whole team to build around him with complimentary players ...something they were not willing to do for Harden. Signing FVV lets Jalen and Alpi remain the #1 and #2 as a complimentary/role player.

Look, it just comes down to what is your strategy. They were trying to build an organic young team from the lottery. Harden just didn't fit that strategy for better or worse. So far, it's for the better. No need to second guess it now.

 

Nah! We are the ones that come to their Ex's weddings gloriously happy for them
Dance and have a great time

You guys are the ones that hates all their exes
. . .and complain every relationship failed because of other people
don't get along with former coworkers
just bitter

The Better Bitter Brothers . . .. .
Here is your Red Pill

Rocket River

 

One reason this BBS remains amazing is due to respectful dialog (usually). I try to not resort to insults. I find it funny how folks never admit they are wrong or at least rarely just acknowledge with something like "you make a good point." People generally just double down, no matter what, and once they have nothing left, they just disappear. I try to acknowledge when somebody has made a good point. That hasn't happened much in this thread.

The Harden lovers want to keep reliving his MVP years, which were amazing. Those days are over. This is a new team.

 

ton of Harden lovers on NBA.com

https://www.nba.com/news/kia-mvp-ladder-april-4-2025-edition

 

To defend and argue bitterly about someone who isn’t even here anymore considering we are in a new situation or relationship means to not be able to move on and accept reality. It’s a continued clinging to the past. So yes you would be that dude calling and crying and wallowing in sorrow for months after a breakup.

 

Meh! 2016
You were not here when I was arguing about Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley needed one more season

Rocket River
YEP! Still anti-T-Mac Trade!!!

 

Lol I actually liked our Francis Mobley tandem as well. Too bad they didn’t go that route

 

SEE Common Ground!!!

Rocket River

 

The whole thread started essentially when a poster say he'd rather pay somebody $42mil for 14/6/4 than somebody $33 mil for 29/12/8 and calls the rest of us who think otherwise ridiculous.

Im complaining that even though we are winning it's not bc of fvv 3 pts or whatever stat he puts up.

Its quite funny that folks would btch about harden choking in playoffs atmosphere and then use mental gymnastics to justify fvv awful performances and hes a "winner".

Winning doesnt excuse fvv from playing heavy mins doing jack sht and putting awful numbers. We can b a good team and all admit fvv is subpar or been awful.

I just find it stupid folks has to double down on fvv. When clearly we could b a better team with a competent playmaker.

If u disagree and point to our winning record as evidence, just wait for playoffs and see how far fvv will take us with his performances.

Awful shooting percentages, subpar playmaking honestly there's not a single thing fvv provides that we won't be able to replace at a cheaper price.

 

He's mentioned in the fine print as honorable mention. Alpi is rated higher than Harden, which bolsters

Everything you said is valid and I agree with your sentiments. The OP was just being controversial in starting the thread but they under all the bravado, they have a point, albeit poorly formed.

Regarding your post, 3 nuances to point out:

1. I disagree with you suggesting FVV is not a competent playmaker. If he has any value, it's as a playmaker. Yes, his offense is in a slump. But if there is one thing he continues to do, his best attribute is as a playmaker. His assist #'s remains solid. His turnover ratio remains solid. If he just starts hitting his 3's at his career levels, problem solved. If not, move on.

2. The Rockets post-season success doesn't hinge on FVV. In the NBA, usually the team with the best player on the court wins. The Rockets need to rely on Jalen and Alpi. As I have stated, if the Rockets are depending on FVV to succeed in the playoffs, the team is in trouble.

3. Finally, the Rockets are in great position with FVV, for today and into the future. Yes his contract looks out of whack but I'm still pleased the Rockets didn't sign Harden over FVV. The Rockets are ahead of schedule and have cap flexibility this summer to upgrade FVV if he keeps slumping thru the playoffs. I see no value in second guessing the signing. FVV did his job and the team is positioned perfectly.

 

Ok. So you're saying you'd rather have FVV over both Harden and Giannis. I guess at least you're consistent.

 

I think if your goal is to produce a contending core of players that last for a decade you don't go for the temporary win now trades that get you a couple years of a older superstar in he downturn of their career.

Replacing FVV with Harden right now would up pure chances of winning a ring this season and next season for sure.

But it would have stunted development of young guys and beyond that it doesn't let the gm figure out what the team has in it's young guys being the main guys.

Harden would get guys like Jalen and Alpi easier looks for sure. But I don't know how stand still open catch and shoot shots are good for the development of Green or being purely a screener and roll man helps the development of Alpi. Harden would turn Amen into a lob threat and nothing beyond that.

 

To be clear,
Option A: FVV
Option B: Harden
Option C: Giannis

One of those things is not like the other.

The strategy is to build around Jalen and Alpi. They are the cheapest options to success. FVV simply represents a cog in the wheel. He's a role player.

Signing Harden or Giannis means you need a brand new wheel (aka, throw out the old strategy and go in a different direction). You can't simply add Harden and Giannis to the existing mix. You CAN add fvv to this mix and he is (should be) a complimentary player. As of now, the overall strategy is working despite that FVV's fg% is crap.

 

Oh totally get both your points. This is like the if you want an old Robert Horry over an old Hakeem. The latter may be a superstar but old and require shooters around him. The former is a role player who fits with the youngsters. So you guys want the Robert Horry type to give max money to.

 

Well, I don't "want to give max money" to FVV. The fact that they gave him that specific contract was circumstantial. Ordinarily, you don't give that kind of contract to a role player but this wasn't an ordinary situation. The Rockets had the $ to offer because they were below the salary cap. If the Rockets didn't pay FVV, they were subject to be taxed so that money had to be spent on somebody. Stone was genius, not foolish, to offer him that contract to entice him to come to losing team and negotiate a team option after year 2. So next season, I seriously doubt he'll still be on this same contract. If at all.

 

Ya the new cba is what got FVV that contract. It was a very unique situation.

 

Lol.

 

Old, chunky Harden still better than 90% of the guards in the league.