Three days into the Rockets season, James Harden seemed as
though he could easily transform this mediocre NBA franchise into a serious
playoff contender. With the high profile offseason acquisition of Jeremy Lin,
the Rockets were suited for a season of growth with talented rookies Terrence
Jones, Jeremy Lamb, and Royce White, adjusting to the Big Show.
However in a turn of events just days before the beginning
of the season, unable to agree on a contract with the reigning Sixth-Man of the
Year, the Thunder shipped Harden to the Clutch City. Oklahoma City received
shooting guards Jones and Kevin Martin along with three draft picks.
With little preparation, and only a few days to connect with
his teammates, Harden exploded for 37 and 45 points in consecutive games.
Harden seemed as though he could be the first All-Star caliber player for
Houston since Tracy McGrady. However following those two games, the Rockets dropped
three straight games and now stand at 3-4.
I was dismayed with the acquisition of Harden and was fully
prepared to forget this season, but after trading away future draft picks, and
a solid rookie in Terrence Jones, the Rockets seem to want to gain a position
in the playoffs this season.
Only time will tell whether or not the NBA should fear the
combination of Harden and Lin, or the Rockets should fear an embarrassing
campaign after a flub of an offseason. At this point, a 3-4 record is nothing
to whine about, but after the fiery start and explosion of James Harden, it
will be interesting to see if the Houston squad will fade into the gray area of
the Western conference.
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