Quote:
Originally Posted by LuckyLloyd
With the super max it's probably a bad long term deal for Houston, right?
Yes. It's pretty much do or die now. Houston can't keep on this clippers plus ten percent trajectory they have been on. It does suck to run into Golden State but you can't Ainge your organization thinking some team is going to keep dominating. Stuff happens and you have to try to improve with that in mind.
I ageee with those who think Beverly being a significant loss. Not just his defense I think he has intangibles that served that team. I don't know that Harden and Paul are a perfect fit. For better or worse, though, Paul will become alpha dog of Rockets as it is his natural inclination and Harden has always struggled with that position. Harden will be relieved to lose that role but it could grind him losing control on the court.
Back on waiting out super teams besides the manufactured ones remember Harden, KD and Westbrook were all naturally on a team. That should have been a dominating team for a long time but it fell apart for reasons. I don't know that GS will fall apart but it's likely they lose someone like Thompson and for anyone who thinks coaching matters in the NBA Kerr's health is a significant red flag. I hate Houston and am not a Morey fan but I give them props for actually trying to continue to improve and step up. Stuff happens and all you need is for things to align for one series to allow you to get past Golden State.
Also props for the Clippers luring Deandre Jordan back after he agreed to go to Dallas. It ended up paying off here as Morey removed the free agent risk, resigning risk and trading the pieces necessary to sign Paul in FA. I think both teams ended up doing well given their respective circumstances.
If nothing happens in Golden State for three years and they stay healthy keep their talent level on a relative level, Houston will not get passed them. But it is unlikely for that to happen.