[GreenLanternParticipant]

Just read the Thunder is leaning toward James Harden as their choice this year. If true, it makes real good sense. Keep in mind this doesn’t mean Harden will be picked at three, but most likely will be aquired in a trade a few spots down. I truly believe this is a better selection than Thabeet, who is going to be solid, but not a better pro than Harden when it’s all said and done. Both players fill a need for the Thunder, but Harden’s more complete and will have a faster impact. Plus he will be a solid third option and/or a spectacular fourth option for OKC, as he will not be asked to carry the team and will be able to relax and just produce. If OKC can pick Thabeet, then package the pick with one of their role players for a young big to a team looking for a talented center (which will be many teams by the way), especially without giving up the 25th pick, then I think Oklahoma will take second place as the winners of the 2009 NBA draft (The Clippers have already won first place).

[llperez]

I like Harden to have a better career then thabeet, but it just seems like thabeet would be the perfect pick for the thunder if he was available. Especially since they tried to aquire Chandler last year.

[GreenLanternParticipant]

Yeah you would think Thabeet since as the saying goes “you can’t teach 7 feet”, but like you and I said, Harden IS and WILL be the better player. Harden also fits the Thunder’s philosophy of “character guys” not to say that Thabeet is bad news, but Harden’s reputation is Brandon Roy-esque. The problem with the Thabeet-for-Harden swap is that Washington is also said to be high on Harden, but I don’t know how they feel about Thabeet. Washington would be foolish though to turn down the deal if OKC includes the 25th pick along with Thabeet and a role player not named Westbrook or Green. That deal makes a lot of sense for both teams, as Washington can then (if they really don’t want Thabeet) convert the Thabeet deal into another player since they are said to be wanting to stay under the cap since they are not getting Griffin.

[wowthisisneatParticipant]

As an OKC fan i would love to have Harden. His shooting will bring alot to this team. Picking up a young center with high potential like Javale Mcgee would be perfect for this team.

[GreenLanternParticipant]

JaVale Magee and Harden to go with Durant, Green, Westbrook and hopefully Kristic would be awesome indeed.

[leppyParticipant]

but centers are hard to come by. do you think harden will be a higher ranked sg than thabeet will be a center. who is more likely to be a top 10 at there position? you can find sg’s anywhere in the nba but quality centers are rare. making people miss because of your height and reach are stats that dont show up on the sheet. you dont see all the stats that matter with having a big man who can protect the paint. they are unvalueable

[GreenLanternParticipant]

Good point leppy but production is production and that way of thinking is why Oden gets drafted over Durant, Bowie over Jordan, etc.

[ccmbballParticipant]

I would love for the Thunder to select Harden. He is a complete player that can bring great defense and shooting to the team. They won’t need him to come in and score 20 a night, but he should make an immediate impact. He would be a great complement to KD, Westbrook, and Green.

I think the Thunder could acquire another big man, through FA, another pick, or a draft day deal, that would be able to help their front court. I like the idea of trading down to Washington or Sacramento, getting McGee, Hawes, or Thompson and being able to pick up Harden at the 4 or 5 spot.

[cumoneileen8Participant]

i said the exact harden and mcgee for thabeet and a possible role player situation a few weeks ago here:

http://www.nbadraft.net/node/6048

I love the idea, i explain why its a good fit there.

[delfamParticipant]

Personally I like Sefolosha at the 2, as he plays great defense. Trading down to washington and getting mcgee, then drafting Jordan Hill i think is the way to go. Then you get your starting 4 and 5 to go along with Westbrook, Sefolosha, and Durant. Green is undersized at 4 and should be traded for a quality piece or another pick(possible for Mullens?).

[Author]

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