The Great NBA What If: Harden, Durant, and Westbrook’s Thunderstorm
Ah, the age-old question: “What could have been?” A bit like asking what would happen if you mixed tequila with regret. In the world of the NBA, few scenarios are as tantalizing as the Oklahoma City Thunder’s early 2010s saga. Picture this: three young superstars—Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, and a little-known fella named James Harden—all under one roof, aiming to ascend the basketball throne. Spoiler alert: they didn’t, and what a colossal bummer that was!
The 2012 Almost-Champions
Fast forward to 2012 and the Thunder, like a confident kid at a school dance, managed to make it to the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, featuring the infamous trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. And as any drama seeker would tell you, that matchup had more tension than a first date between two introverts.
They lost, of course, but let’s not focus on the kicking of dreams just yet. The real kicker? That summer, in what could only be described as an oversight of hilariously tragic proportions, the Thunder couldn’t scrape together 4.5 million dollars to keep Harden from hopping on over to Houston. They say money can’t buy happiness, but tell that to Harden, who was soon drowning in accolades and MVP awards. What a twist! And just like that, like an audience gasping in horror at a horror movie, Thunder fans were left to wonder “what if?”
Harden’s Reflections on a Lost Cause
Let’s dive into Harden’s thoughts, shall we? “We would have won at least two NBA titles, minimum,” he shared, his hopes lingering in the air like a forgotten sock from the laundry. He later expounded on the struggle he faced, sacrificing his starter status for the good of the team, only to find himself in the unfamiliar land of the Rockets with stars in his eyes and a whole lot of ring chasing ahead of him. The irony, sweet as it is, dribbles away into the realm of the unimaginable.
Today, a slightly bitter Harden laments, “We will never know: it all ended because of 4 million dollars.” A classic case of little cash leading to monumental loss—a true “how to make a million” opportunity, if there ever was one!
Closing Thoughts: The Non-Conclusion
So, what do we learn from this? In the world of basketball, as in life, sometimes it’s the little things—like a minuscule amount of cash—that can mean the difference between a championship ring and a mystery leftovers dinner. The Thunder, in their bid for greatness, could well have had a dynasty on their hands if only their wallet wasn’t on a diet. Perhaps the real lesson here is: always check your bank balance before letting someone like Harden walk out the door. Because, let’s be honest, nobody wants to be that team!
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One of the most intriguing “what ifs” in recent NBA history revolves around the Oklahoma City Thunder during the early 2010s, a time when they boasted a formidable roster capable of reaching the Western Conference Finals in 2011 and even the NBA Finals in 2012. This impressive run was fueled by the extraordinary trio of Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, and James Harden, the latter of whom was honored as the Sixth Man of the Year that season. Although they ultimately fell short in the championship matchup against the Miami Heat, featuring stars LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, it was the following summer that dashed the hopes of Thunder fans yearning for greatness. As the team looked to secure their rising star, Serge Ibaka was re-signed, but they found themselves in a financial bind—lacking sufficient salary cap space to meet James Harden’s contract demands, which had escalated significantly given his burgeoning talent and readiness to assume a starting role.
According to reports from ESPN over the years, the discrepancy between Harden’s expectations and the team’s offer was relatively minor, amounting to just $4.5 million. However, the Thunder did not bridge that gap, leading to Harden’s departure to the Houston Rockets that summer, where he would consequently evolve into an NBA MVP and multiple-time scoring champion. Reflecting on the potential that accompanied a continued partnership with Westbrook and Durant, Harden asserted, “We would have won at least two NBA titles, minimum.” The sentiment highlights the unrealized promise of what could have been had the trio remained intact.
“Obviously it’s difficult to say,” Harden continued in a recent interview with the Clippers. “The balance would have changed; I would have joined the quintet. Up to that point, I had sacrificed myself for the good of the team, but it was time for me to be the starter. But we will never know: it all ended because of 4 million dollars,” he concluded, the bitterness of that lost opportunity lingering still.
– What factors contributed to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s inability to retain James Harden after the 2012 NBA Finals?
### Interview: The Great NBA What If – Oklahoma City Thunder’s Lost Dynasty
**Interviewer**: Welcome to our special segment where we explore some of the most intriguing “what ifs” in sports history. Today, we’re diving into the saga of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the early 2010s, featuring three basketball superstars: Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, and James Harden. Joining us is sports analyst and historian, Jamie Thompson. Jamie, thanks for being here!
**Jamie Thompson**: Thanks for having me! It’s a pleasure to revisit such a pivotal moment in NBA history.
**Interviewer**: Let’s kick things off with the Thunder’s incredible run leading to the 2012 NBA Finals. They had an impressive roster. What do you think set that team apart from others?
**Jamie Thompson**: Well, they had a perfect blend of youth and talent. Westbrook’s explosive athleticism, Durant’s scoring ability, and Harden’s versatility created a formidable trio. They complemented each other well, which is what took them to the Finals against the Miami Heat that year.
**Interviewer**: Right, and we can’t ignore the heartbreak of that Finals series. They lost to the Miami Heat, but to many fans, the more heartrending moment came later when they failed to keep James Harden. Can you explain the significance of that decision?
**Jamie Thompson**: Absolutely. The Thunder were on the cusp of something great. Losing Harden was like watching a car drive away while you’re stuck at a red light. The team couldn’t find a way to pay him, reportedly missing out on just $4.5 million. If they had managed to keep him, it’s widely believed they could have won at least two championships.
**Interviewer**: That’s quite a statement, and Harden himself echoed those sentiments, saying they would have won “at least two NBA titles.” How do you interpret his reflections on that decision?
**Jamie Thompson**: Harden’s comments highlight a deep sense of regret. Here you have a player who willingly took a backseat for the sake of team chemistry, only to find himself flourishing individually in Houston. His bitterness shines through when he says, “We will never know: it all ended because of 4 million dollars.” It’s a classic case of how small financial decisions can lead to enormous consequences in sports.
**Interviewer**: So what lessons can be drawn from the Thunder’s story? Is it merely about finances, or is there more to it?
**Jamie Thompson**: There’s definitely more to it. This saga serves as a reminder that in sports, chemistry and timing are everything. The Thunder had the chance to build a dynasty, yet small miscalculations cost them dearly. It also emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and having a deep understanding of the financial landscape of basketball.
**Interviewer**: As we look back, it’s fascinating to consider what could have been. Do you think the league would look different today if the Thunder had kept that core together?
**Jamie Thompson**: Without a doubt! The Thunder could have easily shifted the balance of power in the NBA. Their success might have prevented the superteam phenomenon we’ve seen with the Warriors and the recent formation of stars in various cities. Everything comes full circle, and that’s what makes this story so compelling.
**Interviewer**: Great insights, Jamie! It seems clear that the Thunder’s “what if” story will linger in the minds of fans for years to come. Thanks again for sharing your expertise with us today.
**Jamie Thompson**: Thank you! It’s always fun to discuss the NBA’s history and the intriguing paths not taken.
**Interviewer**: And that wraps up our segment on the Oklahoma City Thunder’s lost chance at greatness. Stay tuned for more discussions on sports legends and their legacies!