Mar 17, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) with guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

There has been much debate since February of 2011 on whether the trade that sent Kendrick Perkins to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Jeff Green, who ended up with the Boston Celtics, was the right move. However, while that trade has always been seen from Boston’s perspective locally, no one has delved into Oklahoma City’s side of the deal. Over two years later, Jeff Green has found his place with the Celtics, and has won a few games for them as the playoffs are right around the corner. For the Thunder, Kendrick Perkins didn’t pan out or match the numbers he was putting up with the Celtics. Did Oklahoma City get the worst end of the trade? Did they make the same mistake when they traded James Harden?

The Thunder are currently second in the Western Conference standings and well on their way to another deep playoff run. But there is one player who plays for Oklahoma City that could once again negate their chances of winning a title. Russell Westbrook. This is where arguments can be made, but Westbrook cannot, and has not coexisted with Kevin Durant. Sunday’s game against the New York Knicks was a prime example. Westbrook finished with 37 points 11 rebounds and 8 assists. While those are tremendous numbers for a point guard, he’s taken away too much from Durant’s game as Durant is not getting the ball when he’s most effective, which is late in games.

This has happened plenty of times before. Westbrook turns into a shooting guard at the wrong time and plays selfish, hero-like basketball, which on multiple occasions has lost a few games for the Thunder because of that. Now, I’m not taking anything away from Westbrook, but it’s not his team, it’s Durant’s. Durant is the player who should have the ball in his hands late in games, not Westbrook. This discussion can be endless, so without continuously beating a dead horse, I move on.

Before this season began, the Oklahoma City Thunder traded James Harden to the Houston Rockets. Again, the Thunder got the worst end of the trade. Harden has stepped up and has become a leader, which he wouldn’t have become if he was still in Oklahoma City. Houston is now playoff bound because of Harden. But was letting him go a big mistake on the part of the Thunder? Once again, I’m saying yes. Had they given the money they spent on Westbrook to Harden, and turned around to trade Westbrook for a real point guard, Oklahoma City would be much better. This is a strong accusation on my part, but the results don’t lie. Harden wasn’t getting in Durant’s way and neither was Jeff Green. Yes, I’ve brought him back into the picture.

The Big Three of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Jeff Green was enough to win championships for years to come. But that will never be known after the trades split the trio apart. Now Oklahoma City has two superstars who don’t compliment each other in certain situations of a game, especially late in the fourth quarter. Sure, they’re winning games and could go deep into the playoffs, but they won’t overcome the obstacles known as the San Antonio Spurs or Miami Heat.

In the final analysis, there is one other side to this ordeal. Would Jeff Green and James Harden be as good as they are today if they were still playing for the Thunder? I truly believe the combination of Durant and Green would have been a dominant force in the front court. The length of both players would have caused matchup problems, which is exactly whats happening in Boston as Paul Pierce and Green have become a force to be reckoned with. Harden on the other hand was in the shadow of Durant and Westbrook, and didn’t fully shine in his time with the Thunder. His game is better suited with the Rockets as he’s become the superstar, the go-to-guy, the player who his team looks to late in games. He’s averaging 25.8 ppg which is almost 9 points more than what he’s been averaging throughout his career.

The Thunder ultimately made the mistake by letting two great players go and keeping a point guard who would be better if he lead a team on his own like Derrick Rose with the Chicago Bulls. Oklahoma City may return to the Finals this season, but they’re not as good as they once were, or could have been today.

If the 2009 NBA draft were held over again today, how would it go? I asked a handful of NBA GMs and while they

weren’t unanimous in their orders, certain points became clear: Blake Griffin still would be No. 1, though one GM would’ve taken James Harden in a do-over; Taj Gibson and Jrue Holiday made the biggest leaps; Hasheem Thabeet, Jonny Flynn and Jordan Hill all would’ve fallen out of the top 10. This is slightly different from the one I did for CSN during the Warriors-Celtics telecast, in that I only asked that set of GMs to order the top 10 with Jrue included. I neglected to account for several other lower picks slipping into the top 10. Here is the new and improved order as it would go today, with where they went in ’09 in parentheses: 
1. Blake Griffin (1) 
2. James Harden (3) 
3. Jrue Holiday (17) 
4. Steph Curry (7) 
5. Ricky Rubio (5) 
6. Ty Lawson (18) 
7. Taj Gibson (26) 
8. DeMar DeRozan (9) 
9. Tyreke Evans (4) 
10. Brandon Jennings (10)

-Ric Bucher via Sulia

That is according to NBA GMs.

Jan 11, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) shoots a free throw against the Boston Celtics during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Here is my top-25, if the draft were re-done:

1) James Harden. Original Selection: 3rd

I think it is James Harden who has the most game-changing talent in the 2009 NBA Draft class. Harden is a multi-threat scorer and is the fourth leading scorer in the NBA this season. His ball handling skills allow Jeremy Lin to acclimate to life in the NBA at a more reactive pace than had he been the No. 1 option, or No. 2, as he would have been prior to the Harden deal.

He’s a far better defensive player than most take notice of, and averages over two steals per game. Harden’s steals ignite a dangerous Rockets team in transition that features the aforementioned Lin, a dynamic scoring forward in Chandler Parsons, an ever-improving big man Omer Asik, and role players like Patrick Patterson and Marcus Morris, the Rockets could make some noise.

I think at that point people will recognize he is a better player than Blake Griffin. And that’s saying a lot; Griffin made the All-Star team his rookie season in the NBA.

2) Blake Griffin. Original Selection: 1st

Blake Griffin missed his entire rookie season due to the fractured patella in his knee. He came back a total monster to win rookie of the year with the next year’s draft class, and he’s the best athlete at the 4-spot in the NBA in a very long time.

His play harkens flashbacks of Shawn Kemp, and his athleticism makes him a crowd-drawing sale.

3) Stephen Curry. Original Selection: 7th

Stephen Curry has become everything the Warriors thought he would be when they sacrificed Monta Ellis to obtain the now-injured Andrew Bogut.

Curry has carried the Warriors down the stretch in very LeBron-like fashion, often accounting for having scored or assisted most Warriors’ baskets in crunch time. With the Warriors thriving, he should make his first All-Star team this season.

Jan 08, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Jrue Holiday (11) shoots a jump shot over the defense of Brooklyn Nets guard Joe Johnson (7) during the first quarter at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

4) Jrue Holiday. Original Selection: 17

Jrue Holiday has kept the 76ers relevant without their best player, the newly acquired Andrew Bynum. That’s no small feat. The 76ers traded their only All-Star talent in Andre Iguodala to obtain Bynum, and also lost their sixth man and leading scorer Louis Williams.

Holiday is having a career year, and is the biggest leaper in the draft class, as he went outside of the lottery but is likely a perennial All-Star talent. I see Holiday making at least four All-Star appearances in his career.

5) Brandon Jennings. Original Selection: 10

Brandon Jennings came into the league as a player who would just shoot for the sake of it. But his shot-selection has been refined and he’s flourished with Monta Ellis at his side. Jennings and Ellis are a high scoring backcourt, though undersized. Jennings continues to learn the finer aspects of being an NBA point, and should eventually be the type to post well over 20 points per game.

Last season, Jennings averaged 19.5 per game, and he’s shooting a little less this year, so his scoring average has decreased slightly.

Still, Jennings is hitting 36.9 percent from three and getting up a lot of shots (15.8 per night). He’s likely going to be more featured as time goes on, since Jennings is just a mere 23 years old.

6) Ty Lawson. Original Selection: 18

Ty Lawson has the talent to be a perennial All-Star. He got paid like one this summer, signing a four-year $48 million deal. Lawson has struggled some this season, but is still a great scoring point guard whose potential makes him a cornerstone in the Nuggets franchise.

7) Tyreke Evans, 4th

Tyreke Evans had a great rookie year but has regressed every season since then. He won the 2009-10 Rookie of the Year award after posting 20/5/5, but has been mediocre since becoming only the fourth NBA rookie in history to post such numbers his first NBA season.

8) Taj Gibson, 26th

Taj Gibson didn’t go until the end of the first round, but his defensive talents and hard play make him a lottery selection if these teams had a do-over.

Jan 11, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio (9) reacts against the New Orleans Hornets during the first quarter of a game at the New Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

9) Ricky Rubio, 5th

Ricky Rubio based on talent alone deserved to go No. 5 overall, but he’s battled injuries. Rubio and the T-Wolves have a bright future, and he could potentially be a “Spanish Steve Nash.”

10) Marcus Thornton, 43rd

Marcus Thornton’s shooting touch and ability to fill it up make him a natural sixth man. He’s started for the Sacramento Kings, but could fill a nice role coming off the bench for a scoring punch on a contending team.

The remainder of the relevant:

11) Jeff Teague, 19th

12) DeMar DeRozan, 9th

13) Darren Collison, 21st

14) Byron Mullens, 24th

15) Eric Maynor, 20th

16) Gerald Henderson, 12th

17) Jodie Meeks, 41st

18) Chase Budinger, 44th

19) Rodrique Beaubois, 25th

20) Jonas Jerebko, 39th

21) Jordan Hill, 8th

22) Tyler Hansbrough, 13th

23) James Johnson, 16th

24) DeJuan Blair, 37th

25) Toney Douglas, 29th

Nov 28, 2012; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

James Harden has quickly become one of the best scorers in the league after a few short seasons. He was once the third option for the Thunder team who played him off the bench. However now, he has become the face of the Houston Rockets’ franchise. Harden wants to play for a competing team but he knows he will need other superstar talent alongside of him to compete against teams like the Heat, Knicks, Lakers, Nets, and even his old team, the Thunder. Yes, he might have Linsanity. He also has the amazing Omer Asik on his team, however by no means is his current team a championship team.

Harden has come out to the media, and said that this team needs to make improvements whether it is midway into the season or in the upcoming summer to help get another all star caliber player to pair alongside the bearded wonder. Even though, Harden is quite correct on his assumption, he is still fully committed to the organization and feels like his current team is heading into the right direction and has pieces for the Rockets to build on in the future. To develop more onto the possibilities, I know five great players in the league right now that can immediately help the Rockets and James Harden compete for the Larry O’Brien trophy.

Nov 30, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks small forward Josh Smith (5) drives to the baseline past Cleveland Cavaliers small forward Alonzo Gee (33) in the second half at Philips Arena. The Cavaliers won 113-111. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

1. Josh Smith

I personally think that all of my five players, this one might make the most logistical sense for the Rocket’s organization to make a move for. Smith is only 27 and has raw talent that far exceeds 99% of the league. J-Smooth has an explosive burst, speed, leaping ability. He’s an unpolished version of LeBron James to me with the lack of intangibles and leadership qualities.

What Smith could ultimately provide the Rockets with is his scoring ability. The forward can easily put up 16+ points and can dramatically help the Rockets in their full court offense. Smith and Harden can effectively work with a pick and roll, something in which J-Smooth is superior at.

Josh Smith will be a free agent after this year and it’s pretty evident that his career in Atlanta is over. GM Danny Ferry is looking to rebuild around a team with Jeff Teague and Al Horford. Smith has looked to covet the opportunity of competing for a championship. So why not join James Harden, a top-ten scorer in the league and a great coach in Kevin McHale.

2. Andrea Bargnani

Andrea Bargnani has long been a forgotten name around the NBA circle ever since he was drafted number one overall in 2006. The dude can flat out score. He’s the closest thing to Dirk Nowitzki in the league. I know I’m going to get some hate after that statement, however its hard to deny that. Bargnani can light up the scoreboard with his great perimeter shooting ability and overall technical play.

The Rockets would tremendously need that especially when Harden has off-nights. Its good to know that there is a capable second scoring option behind Harden. Bargnani is also a tall body that can get you some rebounds and maybe get you a block a night. He would be a good fit alongside Omer Asik.

Bargnani doesn’t have the star quality that others on my list have, but that makes him very valuable. Bargnani will clearly not demand as much money as the others and he is a good glove fit for the Rocket’s offense who seem to reliant on James Harden.

3. Brandon Jennings

The curious thing about Jennings is that he might be too much like James Harden. Both Harden and Jennings have capable point guard abilities whether its their elite ball handling and their above average passing, both can definitely handle the ball. Their biggest likeness is their willingness to shoot the ball and the long ball especially. Both can light it up from outside and aren’t shy from driving to the basket.

So the obvious and ignorant answer to this duo might be it’ll never work. However, I don’t think that’s the case. I think Jennings and Harden can work well of each other and develop a new style of basketball with a fast break and full court offensive team.

Well, what about Jeremy Lin. The Rockets would likely trade him. Lin brings in tremendous hype and money to teams that have him. It’ll be relatively easy to trade him to a team looking to get the additional attention.

Jennings had great raw talent and even more has room to grow and to ultimately become one of the league’s best point guard. Jennings needs some guidance and with Coach McHale and the winning nature in which Harden was brought up on, Jennings could see his production skyrocket.

Dec. 9, 2012; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Amar

4. Amaré Stoudemire

Well wouldn’t this be interesting. Amaré Stoudemire in my mind still has tremendous talent, no matter how much the haters feel like he doesn’t. Stoudemire still can make his mid range jump-shot and is devastating in the pick and roll/screen game. It would be very fun to see Harden and Stoudemire working on the screen and roll and it could really make defenses collapse. What Stoudemire brings is his pedigree and even with his many surgeries and health concerns, his excellent athleticism and conditioning.

The Knicks have shown they don’t need Stoudemire to be competitive and they play better because they already have that go-to offensive player in Carmelo Anthony. What separates Harden from Melo is his willingness to pass the ball. When Stoudemire has a great passer on his team, its proven that he plays at an extremely high level and is one of the league’s best big men.

What the Rockets get is a man to fill up the essentially weak power forward position. They have the cap room to make it happen and enough prospects to persuade the Knicks to make a deal. Could it be possible for a Lin-Stoudemire re-union. Only time will tell.

5. Pau Gasol

The one player that has been on the Rocket’s radar the last couple of months has been Pau Gasol. Gasol has essentially worn out his welcome in Los Angeles, and the once favorite Los Angeles Lakers are below .500 and are looking to make a move. Gasol has been the scapegoat for their lack of wins, so its almost predictable that Gasol will be moved.

Why not Houston? Coach Kevin McHale has long been known as one of the best offensive big men in the league, so why not trade for Gasol, who is one of the best players in the paint. Gasol would gain a lot from the former Celtics great, and he would easily maximize his potential in Houston.

Harden would be effective having an inside presence in the middle to allow him to have enough space to shoot his long range jump-shots. Gasol and Omer Asik would make a formidable duo in the middle to counter the Memphis Grizzlies, Utah Jazz, and Dallas Mavericks big men.

If I was part of the Rocket’s management, I would have the Lakers on speed dial, and ask about making  a trade for the Spaniard.