James Harden situation

Talk about the world of sports here. And also a sub-forum to talk about anything else.

James Harden situation

Postby BasketballMind » Wed Jan 13, 2021 11:06 am

Reading up on this from an ESPN.com article this morning, Harden comes off as selfish a player as I've ever seen. Publicly stating his team isn't good enough to contend, showing up insanely out of shape, and passive aggressively demanding a trade. What is even crazier to me than him is Houston's demands for a 31-year-old, dribble-heavy ball-hog that hasn't been able to play with other stars his entire career.

Here's what Houston wants:

"The Rockets have informed teams that they want a young franchise cornerstone and a package of first-round picks and/or intriguing talent on rookie contracts in return for Harden, sources said." - per ESPN.com article

Harden doesn't have a no-trade clause either. So when the New York Knicks decide to send the Rockets all of their assets to make a "splash" and bring in a star, don't be surprised.

Knicks Get: James Harden
Rockets Get: Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, Mitchell Robinson, Kevin Knox, Mavs 2021 1st Round Pick, Knicks 2022 & 2023 1st Round Picks, Knicks 2024 1st Round Pick (Top 10 Protected)
BasketballMind
NDPreps All-State
 
Posts: 597
Joined: Fri Feb 25, 2011 4:43 pm

Re: James Harden situation

Postby BasketballMind » Thu Jan 14, 2021 10:42 am

Hours later the Rockets send him to the Nets. Steve Nash is going to have his hands full with Harden, Kyrie, and Durant on the same team. On paper this team should be nearly unstoppable, but there is only 1 basketball for 3 of the biggest scorers in the NBA. If these guys can come together similar to the 2008 Celtics "Big 3" and sacrifice personal stats/accolades for a team goal, they could win it all. That being said, James Harden could defend his way out of a wet paper bag. He and Kyrie dribble the ball more on one possession than some guys do for an entire game, and Kevin Durant thrives the most off ball movement and quick passes. I have faith that Steve Nash will have the right game plan for these guys and can hopefully get through to his new backcourt, but this is going to be a tough group of 3 to bring together. Two former MVPs and socring champs along with a dribble-heavy shot-first point guard. Good luck, Coach Nash.
BasketballMind
NDPreps All-State
 
Posts: 597
Joined: Fri Feb 25, 2011 4:43 pm

Re: James Harden situation

Postby Sportsrube » Thu Jan 14, 2021 11:58 am

Kyrie and Harden are too of the ignorant players in the NBA. Both demand the ball and both will dribble the shot clock out and then jack one up. I seriously doubt any team will win a championship with Harden as their "go to" guy. Harden has proven time and time again with his play and his comments that he cares way more about his personal stats than he does about winning. None of the "Big 3" for the Nets has ever shown real leadership on any team they have been on. Good luck Coach Nash is right.
Sportsrube
NDPreps Hall of Fame
 
Posts: 1274
Joined: Wed Sep 16, 2009 2:03 pm

Re: James Harden situation

Postby BasketballMind » Wed Jan 20, 2021 11:34 am

Sportsrube wrote:Kyrie and Harden are too of the ignorant players in the NBA. Both demand the ball and both will dribble the shot clock out and then jack one up. I seriously doubt any team will win a championship with Harden as their "go to" guy. Harden has proven time and time again with his play and his comments that he cares way more about his personal stats than he does about winning. None of the "Big 3" for the Nets has ever shown real leadership on any team they have been on. Good luck Coach Nash is right.



Completely agree. In my opinion, Harden could play second fiddle to Durant and probably be okay with it. He knows Durant is better, has won championships and is their closer. The Nets need to trade Kyrie Irving for whatever they can get as soon as possible. At this point I would just look for a deal involving some clear veterans that can be role players/specialists to give the team depth and build around Durant/Harden. Kyrie's trade value is somewhere around Ed Monix from Semi-Pro right now, so if the Nets need a new washing machine for the practice facility, they might be able to get that done.

There are plenty of rumors around him that have him going all over the NBA. I don't know what the best situation for him is.

In Cleveland he wasn't happy when he was the only star, Lebron comes back and he's overshadowed. Leaves for Boston.

In Boston, he wasn't featured as the star and they didn't have the firepower to get to the finals, team played better without him and almost got to the finals anyway.

Leaves Boston after a very fake speech about being there for the long haul for New Jersey. They play better when he's hurt. KD and James Harden are now on the team.

Overshadowed again now he's pouting and refuses to play. So in his brain, what is the best scenario? He wants to be on the best team, as long as he's the best player, and as long as everything revolves around him. I wouldn't touch a Kyrie Irving trade with a ten foot pole right now.
BasketballMind
NDPreps All-State
 
Posts: 597
Joined: Fri Feb 25, 2011 4:43 pm

Re: James Harden situation

Postby Sportsrube » Sat Feb 20, 2021 10:14 pm

I am surprised with Harden so far. He has been playing team ball and is the best PG on the Nets. Still waiting for this to blow up though. Kyrie will only be content with being the 3rd option for so long. As long as one of the big 3 is hurt or out of the line-up everything is fine, waiting to see what will happen when all 3 are in the line up for an extended period of time. I still would bet that this blows up in the Nets face eventually. They may win 1 ring, but then all heck will break loose with Harden and Kyrie and Durant is not enough of a leader to get everyone to play nice.
Sportsrube
NDPreps Hall of Fame
 
Posts: 1274
Joined: Wed Sep 16, 2009 2:03 pm

Re: James Harden situation

Postby BasketballMind » Sun Feb 21, 2021 11:24 am

Sportsrube wrote:I am surprised with Harden so far. He has been playing team ball and is the best PG on the Nets. Still waiting for this to blow up though. Kyrie will only be content with being the 3rd option for so long. As long as one of the big 3 is hurt or out of the line-up everything is fine, waiting to see what will happen when all 3 are in the line up for an extended period of time. I still would bet that this blows up in the Nets face eventually. They may win 1 ring, but then all heck will break loose with Harden and Kyrie and Durant is not enough of a leader to get everyone to play nice.


I agree. I've got to be honest I wasn't confident Kyrie and Harden would even play a game together. It'll be interesting once the playoffs come around and they have a last shot situation. I don't know if any of these guys are going to be okay not having their number called. Harden has been playing a lot better lately, maybe he finally realized he's not quite good enough to be the #1 guy after all those years in Houston.
BasketballMind
NDPreps All-State
 
Posts: 597
Joined: Fri Feb 25, 2011 4:43 pm


Return to Open Topics - Sports and other things

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 11 guests