The Q
Hoop’s Villain, Reality’s Hero
Harden's problem is a catch-22 from all angles. He wants to win, I do believe that. But he wants to win being the best player on his team, which is not going to happen. Harden doesn't want to be just a cog. He won't buy into the system because it requires him to give up some of his own autonomy during the games which he's stated is very important to him. But he can't be the system either because he's not the guy you can win a championship with being your best player.
So he's stuck in limbo.
He also wants to get paid. But the flip side of that is he's forced his way out of every team he's ever played on. OKC (no blame there, OKC should have paid him), Rockets, Nets, 76ers. How can you trust that he won't do the same to you? Can you really afford to max him out for a long term contract? Nope. It blows up the entire team and the organization will have to pivot.
They almost ha be to for 2 reasons
1) the price they paid s due to nba interference to protect morey (again…)
And
2) they don’t control their pick for like had a decade
Even if harden can’t lead a team to a title in 2027, he can keep you from embarrassing yourself sending out a top 5 pick