Don't look now... Raptors have 3rd worst record in the league...

Even if OKC ends up with the 4th pick, that doesn't automatically mean whoever they draft in addition to Lamb means they won the trade "hands down." Those two players (4th pick, Lamb) still have to prove something. Harden is already a proven player.

 

I didn't. A losing culture doesn't create a winning one unless you draft a top 10 NBA player.

 

Isn't it top 4 protected this year?

 

I sure thought they would be better ....

 

I still think they are better than their record indicates. They have lost a few really close games. I expect them to turn it a round a bit as the season progresses.

(Well, unless Lowry shuts it down, which he might have already started.)

 

I think it is top-3 protected. So, OKC getting the 4th pick is just the worst-case scenario. And, I'll still take Harden over Lamb and #4.

 

And one thing that isn't brought up is the Charlotte 2nd round pick isn't looking as good. (Dallas pick was always going to be crud.)

 

1. Zeller and Shabazz will not be available at #4

2. If the Raptors continue to play this poorly (I do not think they will), then most likely the pick will roll over until next year. My guess is that ultimately OKC gets a pick around #8.

3. The Rockets tried to deal Martin at the deadline last year, and he had almost zero value.

 

How much better? They are a bad team.... not top 4 worst in the NBA bad, but certainly in the 6-9 worst in the league. They have crappy high volume players like Bargnani and DeRozan. Lowry is a very good player at 100%, but how often is he at 100%? Valanciunas is too young........ and no one defends.

 

Shabazz is a top 3 pick, man. Along with Nerlens Noel and maybe even Zeller will be taken earlier. The Detroit Pistons will end up with a top 3 pick and get Shabazz. 2013 class is pretty weak only like 3 or 4 players are decent.

 

Lamb would be decent but nowhere close to Harden and all the good players are going to be drafted top 3... I think from maybe the 4th pick and under wouldn't be that great. Shabazz may seen good but chances of him being as good as James Harden are not high

 

This years draft class will surpise a lot of people. It sounds like someone read an Espn article about this draft class being bad and it spread like wildfire. This years draft class will have several solid players, and several difference makers. Just watch.

 

who cares this draft is filled with busts and role players.. shabazz, noel and zeller all have flaws with no star potential.

 

I still think we have to wait and see not only who the Thunder pick but if he can play on the NBA level. Harden is proven, we dont know if Lamb or the Raptors pick can play.

 

I thought the Raptors had an outside shot at the playoffs. If you told me they'd be several games behind the Bobcats I would have laughed in your face.

 

Lol at this thread. The raptors have played just 18% of their regular season games, and their best players have been injured for weeks now as well.

Obligatory "the regular season is not 15 games long" comment.

 

I hope that Toronto wins a few more games and OKC gets that pick in this years draft.

My reasoning is that this is a weak draft class compared to future years to which the pick would roll over to.

 

Yeah, 4th pick is worst case. But I still think the majority of Rockets fans would have traded the #4 and #12 in the 2012 draft for Harden.

 

Yeah I guess...if they end with Shabazz or Zeller. Better question is why would Shabazz or Zeller end up fourth?

Recent fourths from memory: Tristan Thompson, Dion Waiters, Tyreke Evans, Wesley Johnson, Russell WB.

Even if they add one of those players, I would still take Harden. If the Raps end up the 3rd worst, that means they actually keep the pick, and OKC would have to wait 1 more year to get their pick, in which case the Raps have a better chance of getting a better record and giving them a lower value pick.

I still would take Harden no question.