187 replies to this topic

[Real Deal]

My girl was pissed when she heard the news, haha.

I'm not going to say this is a huge step down for OKC, though. Kevin Martin could be more efficient in a limited role. When was the last time you saw Martin deferring to a couple of all-stars (one being a superstar)? It could help him focus on the defensive end as well, but you're not going to see THAT big of an improvement on that end of the court (by him). Still, his poor shooting may not carry over, and both Durant and Westbrook will help him get easy buckets.

Meanwhile, Lamb's game may fit in perfectly. We all know what he can do, at least in college, so whether he's out there scoring on his own, or feeding off of Durant and Westbrook...it could still work out well, doesn't matter if he's a starter OR playing behind Martin.

Thing is, you're putting everyone on the table in hopes that Martin will accept such a role AND Lamb will pan out to be the player we all expect him to be...and this is coming from a team that was in the NBA Finals just months ago, with a very young core.

Presti knew Harden was gone, though...and if you're going to trade him by February, you do it now. The later you keep him, the bigger risk of injury AND the lower the value. Teams would rather bring him in now and play him 82 games. Otherwise, you let him walk in July...and go into the playoffs with the same team that, actually, may not have a chance against the Heat OR Lakers to begin with (don't think they did anything to show they can beat the Heat one year later).

It would be nice to see Durant reach into his skillset and pull out improved passing abilities. That will benefit both Lamb and Martin greatly, and will help make up for what is lost with Harden, who was HUGE coming off the bench and facilitating for that second unit.

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For Houston, it makes sense. You get rid of Martin's $13 million, even if it's an expiring deal, and in the process, you deal a rookie for a proven borderline all-star in Harden. Now, whether or not Harden deserves that max deal...or if he's a primary option...that's not the point. Right now, you know that Harden is more qualified for it than Jeremy Lamb, and Martin just isn't going to get it done in that large role (never really has).

So, with all things considered, the trade was good for both teams...for the Rockets right now, and for the Thunder in the near future (and, possibly, right now...you never know).

[bfc1125roy]

You also have to keep in mind Harden's facilitating, which will be a huge loss for OKC. That allowed Durant to be more of a scorer late in games, which is what he does best. Martin might be able to rack up 20 points easily but his passing isn't as good as Harden's. So the burden on Durant increases a lot more.

[Cj2008nw]

My girl was pissed when she heard the news, haha.

I'm not going to say this is a huge step down for OKC, though. Kevin Martin could be more efficient in a limited role. When was the last time you saw Martin deferring to a couple of all-stars (one being a superstar)? It could help him focus on the defensive end as well, but you're not going to see THAT big of an improvement on that end of the court (by him). Still, his poor shooting may not carry over, and both Durant and Westbrook will help him get easy buckets.

Meanwhile, Lamb's game may fit in perfectly. We all know what he can do, at least in college, so whether he's out there scoring on his own, or feeding off of Durant and Westbrook...it could still work out well, doesn't matter if he's a starter OR playing behind Martin.

Thing is, you're putting everyone on the table in hopes that Martin will accept such a role AND Lamb will pan out to be the player we all expect him to be...and this is coming from a team that was in the NBA Finals just months ago, with a very young core.

Presti knew Harden was gone, though...and if you're going to trade him by February, you do it now. The later you keep him, the bigger risk of injury AND the lower the value. Teams would rather bring him in now and play him 82 games. Otherwise, you let him walk in July...and go into the playoffs with the same team that, actually, may not have a chance against the Heat OR Lakers to begin with (don't think they did anything to show they can beat the Heat one year later).

It would be nice to see Durant reach into his skillset and pull out improved passing abilities. That will benefit both Lamb and Martin greatly, and will help make up for what is lost with Harden, who was HUGE coming off the bench and facilitating for that second unit.

----------

For Houston, it makes sense. You get rid of Martin's $13 million, even if it's an expiring deal, and in the process, you deal a rookie for a proven borderline all-star in Harden. Now, whether or not Harden deserves that max deal...or if he's a primary option...that's not the point. Right now, you know that Harden is more qualified for it than Jeremy Lamb, and Martin just isn't going to get it done in that large role (never really has).

So, with all things considered, the trade was good for both teams...for the Rockets right now, and for the Thunder in the near future (and, possibly, right now...you never know).

basically what I was saying

[Game]

i was telling my friends that team is going to have to split up eventually...all those guys are gonna wanna get paid

knew this was coming, but didn't think this season...lol

agree with the fact that this isn't a bad trade for OKC, but they're not going to be as good as they were last year this year, this could lead to a better team down the road, but not this season. which means, barring injury, our chances at a western conference championship just got a little better

gtfo of this forum and be a basketball analysts

Sadly the media doesn't look for "true" basketball analysts anymore. He'd have to make it big on youtube =p

[KittenPuncher]

Those type of players and completely different from Lamb..... He's a complete scorer

http://lakernation.com/forums/index.php?/topic/59497-should-the-lakers-go-after-jonny-flynn-pistons-waived-him/page__view__findpost__p__1194430

sssshhhhhhh

[TKainZero]

Shocking...

Houston got their star player...
They have been chasing a big name, and landed it. Good for them.

[Windu]

[True Lakers Fan]

He just signed an extension with Houston

Adrian Wojnarowski ‏@WojYahooNBA
James Harden has agreed to a 5 year, $80 million deal with Houston, source tells Y!

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Overpaid. James Harden is a really good basketball player, but he doesn't deserve max money.

Edited by Cowboys&LakersFan, October 31, 2012 - 11:19 AM.

[David Hillman]

Overpaid. James Harden is a really good basketball player, but he doesn't deserve max money.

I was going to post something alone these lines... then I saw that he's put up 34 and 11 in his first game tonight, and it's not over. I'm reserving judgement...

[West Coast]

Harden plays very smooth. Doesn't try to do too much, doesn't force the issue. He'll be good as a #1 option, the biggest thing will be how he adjusts when teams start game planning for him.

[KittenPuncher]

37 and 12, not bad.

[Michaelyumm]

Dude is sick!!!

I saw him play agains my high school a lot of times back in the day! him and derrick williams!

[Windu]

he biggest thing will be how he adjusts when teams start game planning for him.

[reryo]

OKC fans must be kicking themselves right now.

[bfc1125roy]

Great game, but remember it was against the pistons. Let's see if he can continue to perform against the non scrub teams.

[last stand 2.0]

Maybe it's a sign that Bynum is gonna explode, or maybe harden is just better than previously thought

[Majesty]

37 and 12, not bad.

Against Detroit.


I'll wait and see.

[Hollywood]

James Harden is a downgraded version of LBJ. The guy can play tough defense, hes instant offense and is a great passer, probably the best passer on the Thunder. Not surprising the guy is exploding.