Harden is best utilized as a BIG combo guard, he didn't generate STATS as highly because he played behind Durant and Westbrook.
Having the talent to start on almost all teams, he no longer will have the chance to win the 6th man award again.
He can play SF vs most teams, especially 2nd units, but vs Lebron, it was just too big of a mismatch.
Westbrook is a horrible facilitator, when Harden is on the floor with them, he becomes the facilitator.
His ability to handle the ball, penetrate, finish vs multiple defenders, draw fouls, and it FT's are very impressive.
Harden compliments Lin very well, a reason why I wanted to trade for Harden while Lin was Knick.
Same for Iggy complimenting Gallo/Wilson Chandler, a player I really wanted to target prior to the Melo deal.
Funny how I get to see how they both work out, however, not for the Knicks.
Houston still has many draft picks, assets, flexability, and cap room to sign/trade another 1-2 pieces, just say Josh Smith.
Josh Smith *final year of contract* will be targetted by Phoenix, Houston, and teams looking to add a 2nd tier star.
They would be very dangerous on the fast break, uptempto systems, and is a solid defender/shot blocker to compliment Gortat/Osik.
Houston already has the shooters, role players, and decent depth, they would be on tract to continue to imrpove for many years to come and compete at the same time.
It is a pretty high price to trade for but I think it will improve Houston dramtically.
Cole Aldrich will have an opportunity to prove himself behind and battle for minutes/his next contract.
TD might get the boot with all the players on the roster, as 15 is the limit they can carry.
However, with 2 ball handlers and PG ability with Harden, TD can concentrate on shooting and not PG duties.
Livingston's deal isn't guaranteed though, but he would be competing for Machado, Dequan Cook & TD *both a similar players, think Cook has better D*
Who will get cut??
Lin
Harden
Chandler Parsons
PF Terrence Jones?
Osik
Livingston/Machado/Cook/TD
Carlos Delfino/Garry Forbes
Royce White
Marcus Morris/JaJuan Johnson/Greg Smith
Donatas Motiejunas/Cole Aldrich/Patrick Patterson
Marcus Morris/JaJuan Johnson/Greg Smith
I think Dragic and Lowery >>> Lin as players, but Lin bring's Houston more fans and generates more $$
I hate Morey but he has some nice pieces to build around and more importantly, they fit, and they are not done building yet.
Still with cap room/flexibility/assets/draft picks, to potentially sign and trade for more players.
The addition of Harden would give them a shot at competing this year for a low seed play off run, battling vs teams like Wolves/Suns/Dallas/Golden State
