The Godfather of Basketball

"...After 15 games, James Harden averaged 18.6 points and 5.6 assists per game. It's hard to imagine that this is the data handed over by a substitute player. Harden's even better performance proves that the Thunder will renew him with a maximum salary in the summer. It's definitely worth it, and what's scary is that he is still improving, including his defensive problems that have been criticized all the time.

In contrast, Russell Westbrook is still the same Westbrook, his fast break is fast, his breakthrough is very lethal, but his organization has not improved at all. After 15 games, He averaged 17.3 points, 6.3 assists and 3.5 turnovers per game. Although he had more assists, the organizational effect on the court was obviously not as good as that of Harden.

Is James Harden a better point guard than Russell Westbrook?

The answer, obviously is.

It may be time for the Thunder to consider strengthening Harden and trading away Westbrook.

They don't need to have two ball-holding points on the field at the same time. Taking advantage of Westbrook's trade value, it is obviously a better choice to trade him for an off-ball shooter or a strong insider..."

This FOX article analyzes the structure of the Thunder, and even lists some more feasible trading plans at the end.

After the report was sent out, it also aroused heated discussions among fans.

"To be honest, before this season, I didn't know that Harden could play so well. Yes, I was the one who questioned the Thunder's contract extension during the offseason. He slapped me in the face. Now the Thunder are Time to give him a bigger role."

"I'm Remy, I love Westbrook, but I think it's time to send him away. Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry will be good bargaining chips, and the Golden State people will agree."

"I agree with the above. Although Curry has serious ankle injuries in the past, he has played a good attendance rate this season, and Klay Thompson has great potential. He will make the Thunder even better."

"I think you can consider trading Paul George of the Pacers. He is a better wing defender who can decompress Harden and Durant on the defensive end, and his shooting is also improving."

"Is it possible to try to quote Rondo and Garnett of the Celtics? The Thunder are all scorers now, they need a real point guard, and Garnett is still in shape and can give this team Brings a lot of experience."

"There is no doubt that Westbrook has great talent, and he has the ability to become the leader of a team, but if you put it this way, I think it's really cool to trade him!"

...

The media and fans were buzzing.

On this day, the Thunder lost 103 to 107 at home to the Spurs. This season, they have all lost in several matches against the league's powerful players.

Post-match press conference.

"Since the start of the season, the team has lost to the Cavaliers, Nuggets, Knicks, and Spurs one after another. These are all potential competitors in the playoffs. Is there something wrong with this performance?" The reporter asked quite sharp.

"No, it's not surprising, we're still grinding and improving, you saw four losses, but you should have seen those 12 wins, this team is more consistent than last season. "Tang Tian said calmly.

"FOX Sports recently published an article. They think Harden is a better point guard than Westbrook, and they suggest that Westbrook be traded for a wing shooter or a strong center. What do you think of this?" FOX The report on Sports attracted heated discussions, and the reporters finally started to ask questions.

Both Westbrook and Harden were at the press conference, and the reporter's question instantly made the atmosphere of the venue weird.

Tang Tian sneered.

He had seen this report a long time ago, and in order to avoid negative impact, he directly chose to ignore it.

If you really want to say that FOX is in a fight with him, this kind of article makes it clear that it will disturb the morale of the Thunder team.

Those trading plans, Westbrook is not performing well now, how could those teams agree, take the Warriors as an example, they chose to sign him with a big contract when Curry was seriously injured, which shows how much they rely on Curry , They have no reason to trade away the young core, George is even more nonsense, that is the cornerstone of the future team, how can it be traded, as for Rondo and Garnett, it is even more nonsense, there is no relationship between him and Angie There might be a deal.

"Russell is a non-tradable asset of the Thunder, and he has always been in the future plans of the Thunder. No one would mind having Elvin Johnson and Oscar Robertson at the same time, and neither will we." Tang Tian continued. .

Tang Tian's firm attitude gave the best response from the outside world, and also gave Harden and Westbrook a reassurance.

After the press conference was over, Tang Tian walked towards the office with the tactics manual in hand. Stevens followed from behind at this time, and seemed to have something to say.

After entering the office, Stevens closed the door and sat down in front of Tang Tian.

"Brad, what's the matter?" Tang Tian looked at his first assistant coach. After this month, Stevens has fully proved his personal ability and really helped him relieve a lot of pressure.

"Russell has a problem with his mentality now," Stevens said.

"Huh? You also want me to trade him?" Tang Tian looked at Stevens suspiciously.

As a general manager, he will see things from a higher perspective. Westbrook, Harden, Durant, and Ibaka have played together for a long time. Putting him on the shelf will have a great impact on the atmosphere of the team. At that time, it is not impossible for Durant to take the initiative to ask for a transaction. Secondly, from the perspective of interests, it is also very stupid to trade the core at the lowest price.

"No, that's not what I mean, I mean you'd better have a good talk with Russell." Stevens shook his head and said.

Tang Tian looked up at him.

"I can feel that Russell is a player with a strong desire to win, and he is also a respectable player. There is no scandal outside the court, and he throws himself in the training hall every day." Stevens continued. , As an assistant coach, he usually has more contact with players.

Tang Tian nodded after listening.

Speaking of which, because he holds several positions, the communication with the players is indeed not as much as before.

Stevens is kind of a reminder.

His current focus of work is still coaching, and he should indeed devote more energy to this aspect.

"It's Russell's birthday in two days, and I think that's an opportunity," Stevens continued.

Tang Tian looked at his teaching assistant and smiled, this Stevens is really like a caring little padded jacket sometimes.