What If... James Harden stayed with Oklahoma City Thunder instead of Russell Westbrook?

by Matthew Wellington from http://www.sixthmanjournal.com/2014/11/12/when-the-mighty-fall/

          The arrival of James Harden to the Houston Rockets has made him an All-Star if not a Hall of Famer. He has revived the city of Houston thanks to his ability to break down defense averaging over 25 points per game in each of the three seasons with the Rockets. My question is what would his impact  if he stayed and played alongside Kevin Durant instead of Russell Westbrook. Would they have been a better duo than Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook? Let's think about it and see the differences between the two dynamic superstars. Both players are ball dominant meaning they're effective when the ball is in their hands. They can create their own shots and there has been many controversies in a few instances when Westbrook attempts more shots than Durant. But when Westbrook is on his A game, there is no one who is as fast and aggressive as he is. On the other hand, James Harden has numerous isolation moves making him hard to predict what's his next move. If I have to pick which player would be better, there is so many other factors to take into consideration.

          Let's compare Russell Westbrook and James Harden side by side. From a free throw standpoint, James Harden is a better free throw shooter and goes to the line more often. But that's not to say Westbrook doesn't go to the line as much. On average, Harden attempts 9.0 attempts per game and Westbrook attempts 8.6 per game. Both players are always in attack mode and as a result, this category would have to go to James Harden by a small margin because he has the ability to create space with his fancy footwork. Durant would be glad whomever is his sidekick because there is less pressure and knowing there's another player he can kick the ball out when he a double team comes to him. Moving on, the fast -break department would be in Westbrook's favor. As Steve Smith of NBATV quotes "little rage", Westbrook is fearless on the break. He can stop on a dime and pull up for a jumper. His ability to blow by two or three players and score with his speed is amazing to watch and soak in. Sometimes people refer to him as the one man's fast-break. They are special in their own ways which is why both players earned a spot on the All-Star roster.

          When it comes to the other categories, Westbrook is the better rebounder especially playing the point guard position. He can really get up there and one of few point guards who has an inside and outside game. As for passing, both players can distribute the ball, keeping their teammates involved. They can also get you a couple of steals a night which shows you James Harden can play defense. When James Harden was traded to the Houston Rockets, people were noticing more on his defense than offense. On several occasions, he can be a little tired but that's because he consumes his energy on scoring. His defense is undervalued and he has improved over time. Overall it's tough to say which is the better teammate for Kevin Durant if he had to pick one. Who would you pick?

What if... the Philadelphia 76ers had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports from http://www.usatoday.com/sports/services/photos/USATSI-186772/

          The fans were joyous when Andrew Bynum joined the 76ers. Unfortunately, he played no games and they were in the bottom of the East. Jrue Holiday made the All-Star team when Evan Turner and Thaddeus Young were with the team but the organization decided to head towards another direction and draft Michael-Carter Williams. Last year, it was bad luck of Nerlens Noel  missing the whole season due to ACL injury. Now this year, young prospect Joel Embiid, is injured and will miss the whole season as well. With what we know so far, it's not looking good for Embiid. Rumors has it, he gained extra pounds and hasn't participated in mandatory workouts. The 76ers need a veteran player who brings leadership like Andre Iguodala when he was with the team. They are building through the draft like Oklahoma City Thunder. Imagine where the Thunder would be if they still had James Harden along with Serge Ibaka, Russell Westbrook, and Kevin Durant as their core roster. Be sure to check out my other blogpost, "What If... Oklahoma City Thunder still had James Harden?" for more information.

          The Philadelphia 76ers are trying to solidify their team and have a foundation of young players with high draft picks every year. In time, Nerlens Noel will be in chase for Defensive Player of the Year and develop an offense game with post up moves. He is a high motor guy much like Kenneth Faried who has years to improve. So far he is averaging 1.6 blocks as well as 1.6 steals. He can give these goodies and they are great for your fantasy league team but his free throws are an issue. Like Blake Griffin, I can see him work on it in the gym and gradually improve to a 70% free throw shooter. Until they make a trade for a superstar, the 76ers are not ready for the playoffs. Fans will have to wait a few more years until big things happen in Philly.

What if... the New Orleans Pelicans had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Pace Maier from http://isportsweb.com/2014/01/10/new-orleans-pelicans-eric-gordon-trading-block/

          In his third year in the league, Anthony Davis will most like start for the West in the All-Star game. So far this year, he is averaging 24.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks. At times, the Pelicans look like a great team but due to the depth of the West, teams like the New Orleans Pelicans and Phoenix Suns, will have a tough time making the playoffs. Davis was part of Team USA and he has grown to be the team leader. He has a good work ethic and has improved his body so he can handle the front court presence of the opposing team. But we all know you can't win a basketball game with just one player. Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans has done a decent job running the point guard position. With the addition of Omer Asik, Ryan Anderson is coming off the bench and provides a scoring punch from the second unit. Anthony Davis needs another superstar on his team to make the playoffs like Oklahoma City Thunder with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

          Eric Gordon has been a disappointment after signing a four year, $58 million dollar contract. He has not played a full season in his career due to his injuries and his points averaged has decreased each season he was with the New Orleans Pelicans. He has gone from 20.6 points to 17 to 15.4 to 11.8 this season. Gordon has not shot higher than 46% from the floor. As a player who is 26 years old and entering their prime, his numbers are going down. That is not attractive when he becomes a free agent. Will the Pelicans decide to hold onto Eric Gordon or will they look for another shooting guard like Jimmy Butler who can help Anthony Davis make the playoffs?

What if... the Golden State Warriors had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Saam Esfandiari from http://www.warriorsworld.net/2014/11/18/draymond-green-should-start-at-pf-for-the-foreseeable-future/

         
          We would have thought the Golden State Warriors were going to be the #1 seed in the western conference middle of January? They are currently 29-5 and have only lost one game at home which was against the San Antonio Spurs. Their resolution is to make it to the Western Conference Finals which is doable. They have the Splash Brothers, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, who are carrying the offense and Draymond Green, who is their glue guy. He does all the little things like going for lose balls and offensive rebounds. Andre Iguodala is buying into the system and coming off the bench bringing the leadership they need for their second unit. First year head coach, Steve Kerr, is doing a nice job slowly bringing David Lee back into the rotating after suffering a hamstring injury. Draymond Green is having a fantastic season and would likely remain as a starter averaging 11.9 points, 3.8 assists, and 8.4 rebounds. For his height, he is plays as an undersized power forward for the Warriors but Kerr likes his ability to run the floor and make smart decisions for the team. Green reminds me of Kawhi Leonard, who doesn't need plays for him to be on the floor. He knows his role and if he's open on the offensive end, he will take the high percentage shot.

          Since they are in the Western Conference, it will be a difficult task to reach the Western Conference Finals but they have all the tools with their roster. Usually, each round gets tougher but in the West, it's different. This year, they might end up going against a team like the San Antonio Spurs or Oklahoma City Thunder first round. The Golden State Warriors are heading in the right direction and the fans couldn't be more happier to see their team finally having a successful season.