[Soul Bro]

Given that it seems the Josh Smith days are numbered in Atlanta, would adding him to the mix in Houston make them a contender for the next several years?

[Emory889]

I'm not sure. Houston would have the potential to be very good defensively with Smith and Asik protecting the rim....even with the liablities of Lin and Harden on the perimeter. And I don't think the pairing would work on the offensive end at all. I'm also not sold on Harden being the primary scorer for a championship contender despite him having a very good year.

I guess my answer is sure, they would contend in the sense that they would have a respectable record and make the conference semi-finals every year. I don't think they could beat OKC, San Antonio, or the LA Clippers, and, if they somehow did, I think the Heat would be a nightmare matchup for them.

[My name is Nerl(ens)]

Emory889, on 17 January 2013 - 12:01 PM, said:

I'm not sure. Houston would have the potential to be very good defensively with Smith and Asik protecting the rim....even with the liablities of Lin and Harden on the perimeter. And I don't think the pairing would work on the offensive end at all. I'm also not sold on Harden being the primary scorer for a championship contender despite him having a very good year.

I guess my answer is sure, they would contend in the sense that they would have a respectable record and make the conference semi-finals every year. I don't think they could beat OKC, San Antonio, or the LA Clippers, and, if they somehow did, I think the Heat would be a nightmare matchup for them.

Agreed

[Mauro Pedrosa]

Yeah, but they still wouldn't have the star power many other teams have. James Harden is one of my favorite players but I don't think he can carry anyone to a championship yet

Maybe when the Miami big 3 goes away