(Source: instanba)

A few thoughts on the James Harden trade:

Out of all the “blockbuster” trades that went down this summer, I can’t say any was more shocking than last nights; probably because it came in the middle of fall, roughly 3 days before the start of the season. Every other major trade had at least a few weeks of rumors or speculation to precede it leaving fans some what prepared. However, the “Harden to Houston” news just blindsided us all, whether you saw it pop up on facebook, twitter, espn, text message or on your tumblr dashboard. 

I can’t say I didn’t predict Harden getting traded at some point this season. A few months ago I had a debate on the topic of him leaving with a guy who claimed Harden could not be traded because: “Westbrook and Durant can’t stand eachother”. He argued that Harden was the only one keeping the two together.

I don’t know how much truth was behind that statement, but for now it’s just Westbrook and Durant. How that works out, we will find out soon….But I always though Harden was a much better PG and player to compliment Durant. That being said, I’ll take Jeremy Lamb over Harden in the long run, so I ain’t mad at all.

Oh yea, OKC are still title contenders….and still better than the LAKERS.

With James Harden, Houston is relevant again. They still have three nice rookies, and if they can sign another max talent player, they could be a contender in a few years.

Most importantly, the trade instantly gives Jeremy Lin some help. He struggled all preseason scoring and now he has some serious help in the backcourt. The weight of the franchise is now off his shoulders. Something tells me this trade was more about investing in Lin’s success than anything. He sure couldn’t of carried a team on his own and “Linsanity” isn’t making a comeback either. But him and Harden are capable of creating something new in Houston.

Jeremy Lin for GQ magazine

Anyone following the whole “Linsanity” in Houston story? Well, so far in preseason play Russel Westbrook torched him for 19 points in 16 minutes when the Rockets faced OKC in their preseason opener. Last night against the Spurs, Lin scored a whopping four points (on 1-10 shooting) and dished out only 1 assist. Meanwhile, undrafted rookie backup point guard Scott Machado (who hasn’t even made the team yet) had 11 assists.

Interesting…..

But wait, Lin’s knee isn’t 100% yet, so technically he gets a pass…..for now. And don’t forget how he started only 25 games last season with the Knicks, so he isn’t exactly a seasoned veteran in the league.

Beneath all the hype, Lin is basically still a rookie trying to play the most difficult position in the game, and things won’t be any easier in Houston than New York, especially with a younger/less talented Rockets squad. So for all those waiting for Linsanity to return immediately, don’t hold your breath.