because that's what we're talking about when we're talking about the contract he's about to get from the Rockets. this isn't just "is James Harden a good player?" this is "is James Harden a star to build a whole team around?" because if you're giving out the longest term possible MAX deal, that's what you're talking about.

now what OKC offered him? that was "good player" money, as it should be -- smart on their part. they looked at what they knew about James Harden and said "we'll pay you like a good player, cuz you are, but not necessarily give you the keys to the gym." but Harden turned that down, and the Rockets appeared as the new suitor.

so yeah, I'm sure Harden will continue to be a good player. but if the Rockets think he's going to be anything more than a upper-middle class man's Danilo Gallinari, I think they're in for a a long 5 yrs and $80M or whatever it is.