After getting over my initial reaction (which involved me doing everything short of ripping up my Oklahoma City +450 to win the championship bet slips) to the James Harden trade (news via Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports), I've come to the realization that the trade actually helps the Thunder.
Kevin Martin isn't James Harden, and saying that he is does Harden a complete disservice, but he actually fits into what Oklahoma City does really well. While his lack of defense will be tough to stomach, his three-point shooting will add a new dimension to the Thunder offense.
Remember, his career three-point percentage is higher than Harden's and he's never played with anyone like Kevin Durant or Russell Westbrook.
Harden is a solid shooter, but that isn't his game. He needs the ball in his hands to create opportunities. While he's quite good at that, he isn't as good as Durant and Westbrook. This trade creates more possessions for both of them.
Martin isn't what makes the trade for Oklahoma City, though. What really helps the Thunder here are Jeremy Lamb and the draft picks Houston is sending.
Had the Thunder re-signed Harden, ...
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Article written by Sam H. Quinn
James Harden Trade Actually Helps the Oklahoma City Thunder
October 27th, 2012 by Sam H. Quinn Leave a reply »
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