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Did the Thunder mess up drafting Harden over Curry?
Posted on 5/7/13 at 11:22 am
Posted on 5/7/13 at 11:22 am
First, let me be clear: Harden > Curry
But, Harden far exceeded everyone's expectations, even the Thunder's FO in becoming a 6th man of the year and an Olympian. And now he's a top 10 offensive force in the league, helping make the Rockets borderline relevant again. But this all came with a price, being a max player, which the Thunder weren't willing to offer.
The Thunder offered Harden a contract just under $14mil/yr and he of course ended up being traded to and signing with Houston for the max $16mil/yr. if should also be noted that this contract was offered after Ibaka had signed his new deal. The Thunder were willing to go into the luxury tax, despite what so many here believe (looking at you SFP).
When you look at what Curry is doing for GS, and the fact that he just signed an $11mil/yr contract, you have to wonder if the Thunder drafted "too well" so to speak.
I know most Thunder fans wanted Curry when we took Harden back in '09, myself included.
Knowing what we know now, would it have been the right move?
And can you imagine Durant, Westbrook, Curry, and Ibaka being on the floor at the same time? Curry would have open looks all game long.
But, Harden far exceeded everyone's expectations, even the Thunder's FO in becoming a 6th man of the year and an Olympian. And now he's a top 10 offensive force in the league, helping make the Rockets borderline relevant again. But this all came with a price, being a max player, which the Thunder weren't willing to offer.
The Thunder offered Harden a contract just under $14mil/yr and he of course ended up being traded to and signing with Houston for the max $16mil/yr. if should also be noted that this contract was offered after Ibaka had signed his new deal. The Thunder were willing to go into the luxury tax, despite what so many here believe (looking at you SFP).
When you look at what Curry is doing for GS, and the fact that he just signed an $11mil/yr contract, you have to wonder if the Thunder drafted "too well" so to speak.
I know most Thunder fans wanted Curry when we took Harden back in '09, myself included.
Knowing what we know now, would it have been the right move?
And can you imagine Durant, Westbrook, Curry, and Ibaka being on the floor at the same time? Curry would have open looks all game long.
9
Posted on 5/7/13 at 11:22 am to okietiger
OKC beats memphis in the series?
Posted on 5/7/13 at 11:24 am to longhorn22
I'm thinking more long term than just this series 
Posted on 5/7/13 at 11:26 am to okietiger
So you would have Westbrook guard the opposing 2?
Posted on 5/7/13 at 11:26 am to okietiger
so you think OKC goes down?
I love the inside game of ZBO and Gasol
I love the inside game of ZBO and Gasol
Posted on 5/7/13 at 11:27 am to okietiger
The only team that should be kicking itself is the TWolves missing out on Curry with 2 picks, especially drafting Flynn. After their rookie seasons, people were saying the Thunder screwed up by not drafting Tyreke Evans.
And the Thunder only have themselves to blame for taking on Kendrick Perkins' atrocious contract.
And the Thunder only have themselves to blame for taking on Kendrick Perkins' atrocious contract.
Posted on 5/7/13 at 11:28 am to okietiger
Interesting point.
Curry would fit in well as an outlet option, not having to create his own shot and yet would not have commanded such a large salary.. especially not being able to carry a team on his back when you have Westbrook and Durant.
Harden was an exciting player though and he sold a lot of jerseys, which (metaphorically) is all the NBA cares about.
Curry would fit in well as an outlet option, not having to create his own shot and yet would not have commanded such a large salary.. especially not being able to carry a team on his back when you have Westbrook and Durant.
Harden was an exciting player though and he sold a lot of jerseys, which (metaphorically) is all the NBA cares about.
Posted on 5/7/13 at 11:28 am to St Augustine
quote:
So you would have Westbrook guard the opposing 2?
You would have to. And it wasn't like Harden ever guarded anybody, well, ever. He doesn't like playing D. And Westbrook is a pretty big PG, so he could do it.
Posted on 5/7/13 at 11:29 am to okietiger
Yes, they should have taken the player they deemed worse so they could pay him less. Because they knew at the time Westbrook was a max guy and Ibaka would be worth 10+.
Posted on 5/7/13 at 11:30 am to longhorn22
quote:
so you think OKC goes down?
Who knows, but in the history of the 7 game series, the game 1 winner goes onto win nearly 80% of the time. And the Thunder hold home court. I think tonight will be the most important game in the series.
Stay on topic damnit.
Posted on 5/7/13 at 11:32 am to floridatigah
You take what you need and what fits, not always best available. Unless the best available blows the rest of the pack away.
Posted on 5/7/13 at 11:33 am to okietiger
quote:
I think tonight will be the most important game in the series.
definitely
quote:
Stay on topic damnit
you are the big OKC fan so I figured I could throw any Question at ya...
I personally think it could go either way. It could be "Durant grows up and put his team on his back" kind of series...OR it could just be the better overall "team" at the current time will win. They could have stole game 1 but let it slip away. Very similar to the GS/SA series...GS should have had that game on the road but let it slip away...
Posted on 5/7/13 at 11:40 am to okietiger
Harden was a need and a fit, he was just too good at it. Who is to say the same doesn't happen to Curry and they have to trade him instead? Golden State got a discount because Curry was coming off an injury, maybe that doesn't happen in OKC.
Posted on 5/7/13 at 11:43 am to longhorn22
Even without Westbrook (and Harden) this Thunder team is so damn battle tested after all the tough series they've played since 2009. GS unfortunately just has not been there before.
Posted on 5/7/13 at 11:44 am to floridatigah
That is true; Curry got a cheaper deal due to his injuries.
Posted on 5/7/13 at 11:44 am to okietiger
Who fricking cares about the Thunder?
Posted on 5/7/13 at 11:45 am to floridatigah
There is a flavor of the week every year in the playoffs.. A guy who is a decent player who's plays a good playoff series and everyone wants to act like they are a top NBA player. There was a other guy who played for the Warriors who was annointed after a series against Dallas about 6 or 7 years ago.
Is curry a good player? Definitely. He cant hold Hardens jock though
Is curry a good player? Definitely. He cant hold Hardens jock though
Posted on 5/7/13 at 11:46 am to GynoSandberg
Are you referring to Monta Ellis?
Posted on 5/7/13 at 11:53 am to okietiger
Oh no. Baron Davis.
Decent PG who's playoff performance garnered him a lot of in the moment accolades. Never could live up to potential due to injuries. Plays for GS.
Reminds me of Curry right now
Decent PG who's playoff performance garnered him a lot of in the moment accolades. Never could live up to potential due to injuries. Plays for GS.
Reminds me of Curry right now
Posted on 5/7/13 at 11:56 am to GynoSandberg
I definitely would not be making this thread if it was Baron Davis. Curry is most dangerous shooter in the league when he's open, right? Can you imagine how often he'd be open playing alongside KD/Westbrook?
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