DID OKC MAKE A MISTAKE??

On the eve of the season, a major move was made that could change the landscape of the NBA's Western Conference. The Oklahoma City Thunder traded James Harden to the Houston Rockets after the two factions could not agree to terms on a contract extension. Harden, the (2011-2012 6th Man of the Year) was looking for a max deal. The Thunder offered a 4yr/55 million dollar extension in which Harden turned down. The task of giving Harden a max deal was virtually impossible with the team having two other star players signed to max deals. (Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook) Harden was traded to Houston along with four other players. In return the Thunder received 2012 Lottery pick Jeremy Lamb, three future draft picks and the deals focal point shooting guard Kevin Martin. Harden has paid immediate dividends in his first two games compiling a staggering stat line of 82 points, 14 assist, 13 rebounds, and 4 steals. The lost of Harden has most basketball analysts changing their opinion of the Thunder being the best team in the Western Conference. I strongly believe the Thunder still have enough fire power to represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals. I get the impression that everyone has dismissed the importance of guard Eric Maynor and his return to the team. Maynor is a key cog of the team who had the misfortune of tearing his anterior cruciate ligament at the beginning of last season. He brings stability to an offense that does not have a true point guard. The Thunder lead the NBA in turnovers last season due to his absence. It has been widely suggested that Thunder coach Scott Brooks would be wise to move Russell Westbrook to his natural two guard spot and let Maynor play the point guard slot. The Thunder will not miss a beat because Kevin Martin is a proven scorer in the NBA. He lead both of his former teams in scoring while he played in Sacramento and Houston. Martin is one of those players who can put up 40 to 50 points on any given night. The one problem with Martin is his lack of defensive awareness. Players like Serge Ibaka, Kendrick Perkins and Eric Maynor will make up for Martin's lack of individual defensive skills. The Thunder play great team defense by funneling opposing players into the lane where Serge Ibaka will either block or contest the shot. The Oklahoma City Thunder will be fine. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are the core pieces in place, that will guide the Thunder to their first championship since 1979, back when they were formerly known as "The Seattle Supersonics".