"It's no secret that Nolan Smith is struggling for the Portland Trail Blazers this preseason and it looks like it's gotten to the point where it has become a mental battle within." Link BNM
If we let Williams, Smith and Babbit because UFA next year, we'll have over 13 mil in cap space. Gotta go after James Harden! I think he'd put us in the upper echalon in the West, and it would give us a good 6th man in Wes Matthews.
I think the odds of landing Harden are slim, but if we did, he'd be a great fit with Aldridge, Lillard, Leonard and Batum. He'd be a HUGE upgrade at our weakest position. Plus, we'll likely have a lottery pick to further bolster our bench. I think this is what Olshey means by reloading as opposed to rebuilding. Plus, stealing Harden weakens a division rival. If we don't get Harden, who should we target as Plan B? BNM
If the Blazers signed Harden, it'd probably have to be a sign and trade. NOT because thats the only way, but because I doubt OKC would let him go for nothing. So either it'd be the lottery pick (which knowing the Blazers luck would be the next awesome player) or Matthews + others.
We definitely need to shoot for the stars which is Harden for us. No way OKC will let him walk though, they'll trade him before he becomes a RFA or they will match him then trade him.
I've been a huge fan of Harden's for awhile now. I think he's attainable too. Imagine a core of Lillard, Leonard, Harden and Freeland, all under the age of 25 growing together. Could be real good. Maybe find a way to acquire Cody Zeller too if the season completely goes in the shitter.
Harden is a pipe dream at this point. Almost a zero percent chance that happens. It's all about the draft.
Nolan isn't losing a mental battle, he has already lost the talent battle.....He is just not an NBA caliber player.....
Nolan isn't really an NBA caliber player. Happens to tons of draft picks. As for Harden, that just isn't going to happen -- zero percent chance.
