Harden sees similarities between '17 Rockets and '12 Thunder
The new-look Houston Rockets have yet to take the floor together as a collective unit, yet James Harden is ready to board the hype train by comparing his current roster to perhaps the best one he's ever been a part of.
Harden has just one NBA Finals appearance on his resume. It came back in 2012 with the Oklahoma City Thunder, who fell in five games to the Heatles of South Beach. So are this year's Rockets as good as that Thunder squad?
"Both teams are similar as far as talent and versatility, a mixture of vets and young guys. Both are very, very, very talented," Harden told Vice Sports' Michael Pina. "Now, obviously, the difference is we were younger back then, but both are good."
Harden was in his third season in the Association when Oklahoma City advanced to the Finals, and hadn't blossomed into the full-fledged megastar he is today. He was, however, honored as the Sixth Man of the Year for his contributions during the 66-game campaign, averaging 16.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists coming off the bench.
Equipped with a young Harden, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and Serge Ibaka, as well as established veterans Derek Fisher, Kendrick Perkins, and Nazr Mohammed, the Thunder had the pieces in place to be a mainstay in the Finals picture. Harden, though, was shipped off to Houston that summer after failing to agree to a contract extension.
Bringing in Chris Paul to run the point single-handedly reshaped the Rockets. Not only does it pair Harden with another All-Star in the backcourt, but it also took a bite out of a core that had just increased its season win total from 41 victories to 55, with Patrick Beverley, Sam Dekker, Lou Williams, and Montrezl Harrell going to the Los Angeles Clippers.
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CP3 is indisputably the best player Harden's had on his team since his days in OKC, which helps explain why he's so optimistic about the Rockets' chances moving forward, and why he's willing to make such comparisons. Reigning Sixth Man of the Year Eric Gordon, sharpshooting forward Ryan Anderson, and big man Nene are at least still around, while Houston added depth at the wing positions by signing both P.J. Tucker and Luc Mbah a Moute.
Ultimately, the '12 Thunder will have the edge until Harden's Rockets compete for the Larry O'Brien Trophy themselves.