James Harden could be a top 5 SG in the league. Take his age into account and i can't think of someone I'd rather have over him.
I don't think you needed to say "could be" here and in fact I think he may be top 3. Not the strongest position right now through and through but the top few are strong and he's right there. To me he's top 2.
I couldn't disagree with the OP more. Harden is very deserving of the contract. I know it was one game, but in that first Houston game you can clearly see what he can do with more usage. He is a multi dimensional player and will only get better.
He is a very good player and worth the contract in today's NBA, but I don't think James Harden is going to lead any team to a title as his teams best player. Which means they gave him a lot of money and gave up a kings ransom to get him, which probably wasn't the wisest move. I mean is Harden, Lin, Asik, etc. as a base ever really going to form a title contender. If not, then why waste all of those pieces and the cap space to trade and then sign him. I just don't know what Houston is doing.
I don't disagree that he doesn't make them a title contender but let's be real. LeBron James wasn't enough to get to the title alone. I don't see this as a knock on Harden but just the reality of what it takes to compete in the NBA.
We have seen now that you need probably three star players to contend for a title now.
Houston has said openly they are looking for another star caliber player to add to Harden. The guy Harden reminds me of is Manu Ginobili (with a higher ceiling, considering his age) and of course Manu was part of a three man core that contended for titles, and he wasn't the team's best player either.
I think Harden could perhaps be the best player on a title team given his age right now, but even if he's not that isn't a knock to me. I don't think they gave up too much or are paying him too much either.
What he does do as well is make Houston a more attractive landing spot for a big free agent.