They got stronger. James Harden a better playmaker but I think Martin's a better scorer and shooter. If Martin can put up a easy 17pts on a bad team he'll flourish in OKC. The open shots Harden bricked in the finals last year are like layups to Martin. I predict he'll have a better impact in OKC than Harden does for us
It's really going to be interesting to watch. The big question I have is whether they are looking to have Martin fill in the sixth man role that Harden did. They have a lot of flexibility in the way they decide to play it, particularly if PJ3 and Lamb have solid rookie campaigns. If so, they have quite the dynamic second unit, and I think the two spot will end up floating between Sefalosha and Martin depending on offensive/defensive matchups.
They used Harden to guard Lebron...a lot during the finals...now...they have no one that could guard Lebron... Sure you get 2 shooters...but you have enough chuckers on the team in Durant and Westbrook...you needed stability and Harden provided that...The Thunder messed this one up for their team...and will regret this for a long time...(should have gotten rid of Westbrook...imo)
Harden can't guard LeBron. Not even close. They also don't play the same position. You mostly saw Thabo/Durant on LBJ. If they met Miami again, Westbrook would guard Wade, Durant/Thabo would continue to guard LBJ, and Martin would guard Chalmers.
Martin interview at a practice in OKC. http://www.dailythunder.com/audio/Martin 10-29-12.mp3 At a minimum, he is giving the correct answers.
It's going to hurt them a lot. Harden provided a lot of different dynamics to that Thunder squad because he's so versatile. Martin will get his points but how many points is he going to get at the expense of Durant? Harden was able to create his own shot and others within the flow of the offense and not forcing things. When Martin isn't scoring he is pretty useless. Everything Martin does offensively... Durant does it better. The biggest thing is Harden was able to fit in nicely and compliment both WB and KD because he doesn't need to dominate the ball. Contrary to popular belief Martin DOES need the ball to be effective. I like Martin and think he's a nice player to pair along a great post presence like we planned with Yao or if we could have landed Dwight but along with other wing and and perimeter players? That's not where the Thunder needed help. All signs point to Lamb becoming a very good player in the future but I still can't believe we landed Harden.
I don't think this hurts them as much as people are saying. Martin is not that much of a downgrade from Harden in the short term and he is a very good fit for their team. I still see OKC as championship contenders, but yes, the favorites are the Lakers and the Heat.
