Spoke to a coach and “Scout” — collective time around the NBA 90 years or so — the other night about James Harden, the Thunder’s smartest player, by far, and every bit as important to the team’s success as Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
Scout defied me to name 10 active players better on both sides of the ball, as well as upstairs and downstairs, than the 6-foot-5 Harden, Arizona State’s last great recruit (Los Angeles’ Artesia HS) in 2007.
“Sam Presti [VP/GM] had a lot of faith in his conviction to draft him that high [No. 3]. We all had him going No. 7, definitely not one slot ahead of Tyreke Evans.
“You and I could’ve picked Durant after the Blazers took Greg Oden No. 1,” Scout said. “Westbrook [No. 4 coming off sophomore UCLA averages of 12.7 points and 3.9 assists] and Harden were pure genius.
“Presti has earned a lifetime deal from Oklahoma City.”
The former NBA coach gushed about Harden’s “un-teachable” feel for the game.
“The kid is three years in the NBA and he plays like an 8-year-pro. His demeanor reminds me of Tim Duncan. He makes tough shots, takes a tough head shot, makes a great pass and commits a lousy turnover, and his expression never changes. I can’t give him higher praise.
“I’ll take Harden and Serge [Ibaka] and take my chances with six D-Leaguers.”
Presti’s mastermind is about to be severely tested. Both above players have one more year remaining on their rookie scale pacts before becoming restricted free agents.
Oklahoma City already exceeds next season’s sure-to-ascend cap ($58,044 million) by $5 million. That’s $7 million below the increasingly (poisonous even for a billionaire like Clay Bennett) current luxury tax.
Clearly, Harden must be rewarded — lavishly. Durant and Westbrook already are owed maximum money and years. That’s what I’m talking about! And that’s what Harden’s agent will be negotiating for this summer — and for two seasons beyond, if it comes to that.
If a near-max arrangement is undoable in the team’s financial structure, one of the three pinups — Westbrook comes to mind — will have to be sacrificed to fortify the frontline.
Shame on me for throwing this out there while the Thunder are halfway to paradise for the Western Conference crown and the Lakers are in the midst of their annual turmoil.
I apologize for not picking a weightier issue to discuss or deciding to dissect critical elements of games like Kenny Smith futilely attempts to do during every TNT schoolroom segment.
As efficient and enjoyable as Harden is, I realize (too late, obviously) I should have concentrated on LeBron James volunteering to become a decoy from now on in late-game situations involving trips to the foul line.
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Kevin Garnett is acting like a dirty player half his a ge. Boston is plus 47 when he’s on the floor. Evidently, KG has some solid years left, yet already college scholarship offers are pouring in for him upon graduation from the NBA. … The Spurs are promising Michael Jordan a ring for gifting them Boris Diaw, cowho, in six playoff games, is on the same intellectual passing wave length as Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli, a triumvirate for 124….
Dwyane Wade wondering where Bennett Salvatore was when he needed a call against the rim with 20 seconds left in Game 2. Interesting that Wade took all but one (he let LBJ have a try) of the final shots. He hit five straight and then figured he should take the last four….
Kyrie Irving receiving 117 of 120 media votes for rookie honors with the other three going to members of Billy Hunter’s family.…
The NBA, bending over backward to its TV partners, reverted to lockout mentality in its scheduling Spurs and Lakers on successive evenings. I have meaner things to say about this and Saturday’s doubleheader (afternoon/night) except Saturday’s historical quirk got me to Los Angeles for the weekend.
Which segues us to the Purple Feign. Not since the Dutch fleeced Manhattan from the Indians for $24 in trinkets and a Metrocard to be named later has there been a giveaway so egregious than Game 2’s 77-75 loss … and after they had seemingly soaked the stench of a 29-point, series-opening blowout.
Even Dick Bavetta thought they looked old in that one.
Up seven with two minutes to play and poised to do what teams with championship pedigree are breed and trained to do … slam the door … they committed an epic array of fundamental faux pas that led directly or indirectly to the Thunder scoring the game’s final nine.
Now, the eyes of a nation turn to Kobe Bryant, who threw one away, had one glance off his hand, had one blocked and just plain missed in the final fateful few frames.
Not that there weren’t unindicted co-conspirators. Many criticized Metta World Peace’s shot selection. Even the object of his correct in-bound affection (Steve Blake) did not sit well with the Black Mamba. Like it’s Metta’s fault the Lakers don’t have Chris Paul or a remotely competent point guard to handle these duties.
Memo to general manager, Mitch Kupchak: Ramon Sessions and Blake are 3-16 for the series and have as many assists (seven) as turnovers.
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This just in: Magic Johnson claims Mike Brown’s a goner if the Lakers don’t win the Preakness.