Harden: Rockets are 'right there' with Warriors

The Houston Rockets have been emphatically eliminated from the postseason twice in the last three years by the Golden State Warriors, but James Harden insists they're virtual equals.

Harden feels ambitious after the Rockets acquired Chris Paul this summer. The Beard went so far as to say the Rockets are nearly on the same level as the superteam Warriors.

"Obviously Golden State has been in the Finals and won two out of three, so that’s what everybody is trying to build up against," Harden told Sam Amick of USA Today.

"But we’re right there. We’re right there. Obviously, we have a lot of work to do, but it definitely puts us in a better chance."

The Rockets finished with the NBA's third-best record last season behind their second-ranked offense. Houston breezed past Oklahoma City in the first round but were humbled in six games by San Antonio, who subsequently went on to be swept by Golden State.

Adding another top-10 player in Paul should help the Rockets close the gap. Paul gives Houston a second dynamic playmaker to line up alongside Harden and should afford Harden more rest to allow him to stay fresh throughout the playoffs.

However, the Warriors remain untouched in a tier of their own. They have more stars and better stars than the Rockets, more continuity, and a deeper bench. Even if the Rockets finally consummate the inevitable Carmelo Anthony trade, the Warriors would still be a class above.

The Rockets have, at the very least, positioned themselves to capitalize should the Warriors hit a snag with injures or dysfunction. Houston ranks alongside the Spurs and Cavaliers as the next tier of contenders trailing the reigning champs.