James Harden received his begin within the NBA with the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, and, for some time, they have been one of the crucial thrilling groups within the league.
However even with Harden, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and Serge Ibaka, the staff was by no means in a position to win the Finals.
Based on Earn Your Leisure, by way of Bleacher Report, Harden mentioned the Thunder would have gained “at least” two championships if that they had stayed collectively.
This “what if” is among the largest in current NBA historical past, and followers nonetheless surprise what may have occurred had this squad by no means damaged up.
Harden says he, KD, Russ, and Serge would’ve gained “at least” two chips in the event that they hadn’t been damaged up over $4M 👀
You agree?
(by way of @EarnYourLeisure) pic.twitter.com/1Zf6uv8cLB
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 22, 2024
Harden was drafted by the Thunder because the third total choose within the 2009 draft.
Earlier than lengthy, OKC was making some severe noise within the West, they usually ultimately went all the way in which to the Finals in 2012.
However after defeating the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, and San Antonio Spurs within the leadup to the Finals, they have been simply taken down by the Miami Warmth.
Throughout his three years with the Thunder, Harden averaged 12.7 factors, 3.4 rebounds, and a couple of.5 assists.
Finally, the staff’s core was damaged up, principally due to the worth it took to maintain them collectively.
Harden traveled on to the Houston Rockets, the place his profession took off in enormous methods.
As for Durant, Westbrook, and Ibaka, all of them went in numerous instructions and located their very own ranges of success.
Since then, individuals have puzzled what would have occurred in the event that they hadn’t cut up up.
Would they’ve been probably the most dominant staff of their convention for years?
Harden has his perception clearly, however the world won’t ever know what really may have been.
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