This. It isn't about tanking, it's about getting the best player available. I LOVE that it worked out, and we got Harden. Think how much easier it would've been to get Chris Paul, Dwight, Deron, etc with a top 5 pick. We could've made some sort of top 5 pick package for CP3 and flipped Lowry for Gasol. Tanking is also about acquiring assets. A top 5 pick has value to a lot of teams, teams LOVE hope. It's your best chance to get a superstar in a trade, and worst case you have a top 5 pick. A #14 pick has absolutely no value. It is just a mid 1st rounder, you package 3 picks in that range and MAYBE you get a #5 pick. It's incredible how much a little tanking goes towards the value of the pick. We were debating #12 and Lowry for #8 this year, that is Lowry for 4 spots ONLY.
But from what I read, from Les to Morey to McHale, they all seem to expect Harden is or will become that transcendent franchise talent to build your championship team around. Also they are going to use that one time 5 year max exception on Harden, that's a pretty big indication on making him the franchise player of this club for the next 5 years. Considering Harden's still young age, there is definitely hope.
I guess my issue is that I don't think this team was totally devoid of talent prior to the trade. To me the addition of Harden is a big piece but there was already a lot of talent here prior. Maybe because I am a little more high on Asik & Lin than other people lol. And the impact of the trade won't be immediate (this team at best is a 7th or 8th seed) most likely misses the PO's. But next season as guys develop more (Harden included cause he is no where near his peak yet). I love Harden he is a tremendous player in my opinion but I don't think we are building around Harden. The word "around" is disingenuous.
Yes that is true. But from what I read from Les to Morey to McHale they also have similarly high expectations of Asik & Lin also right. I feel like the Rockets are going in the mold of a Denver Nuggets squad. Maybe I am wrong & Harden develops into the type of player that can carry a team on his back, he is only 23 so I wouldn't put it past him.
