2012 Sixth Man Of The Year James Harden was traded to the Houston Rockets on Saturday night. The Oklahoma City Thunder recieved Kevin Martin, Jeremy Lamb, and 2 first round draft picks. The Houston Rockets recieved James Harden, Cole Aldrich, and Daquean Cook. Harden was intially offered $52M/4yrs. He declined that offer and the Thunder upped the ante a little more by offering Harden $55.5M/4yrs. When he declined that offer Sam Presti knew he had to make a trade that was beneficial to both sides. I feel that their is no winner or loser in this deal. The Thunder recieved Kevin Martin, a proven scorer who can easily score 20 ppg. Jeremy Lamb was also a good pickup, Lamb is also a good scorer, averaging 20 ppg in the NBA Summer League. The Rockets recieve James Harden, who will make an immediate impact on the team. Harden is good scorer, passer, and defender. The possibility of Harden having a breakout season, and joining the NBA's elite superstars is very strong. However the flipside of this is what if Harden doesn't produce as a starter (assuming he starts in Houston)? Maybe Harden can only play at a high level in 25-28 minutes off the bench. Maybe he'll score 25 ppg as a starter, we'll have to wait and see during the season. The Rockets backcourt is going to be one of the most exciting backcourts in the league, espcially with Jeremy Lin at the reigns. The Thunder will miss Harden, but they've acquired 2 guys who fill his role nicely.The Rockets are now a playoff team, with a very bright future. NUFF SAID.
No comments:
Post a Comment