James Harden trade to Houston Rockets just another blow to Suns' plans

If you missed it, the Oklahoma City Thunder traded former Arizona State Sun Devil James Harden to the Houston Rockets. Then, Houston signed Harden to a five-year, $80 million contract extension. Then he makes his debut for the Rockets and not only does well, but fills up a box score like you won't believe -- 37 points, 12 assists, six boards and four steals.

As a Sun Devil fan, you are thrilled. As a fan of the Phoenix Suns, it had to feel a little sickening.

Why?

It means that the Suns were thwarted in their quest to find their next star once again. Last offseason, they were turned away from guard Eric Gordon, who was a restricted free agent and had the offer sheet matched by the New Orleans Hornets. Gordon really wanted to be here and the team really wanted Gordon. When that happened, Phoenix decided to not go and blow all their cap space, instead waiting to go after a free agent star or soon-to-be star next offseason.

James Harden was expected to be a target of the Suns. But once again they are blocked.

All that is now left is to think about how great Harden would have been here playing alongside Goran Dragic. Sigh....

Now Phoenix coach Alvin Gentry has said more than once, including after the first game of their season that e feels very strongly that the team as it is currently constituted will be a "very good team." That will take some cards falling in the right direction, but they do have the potential talent to do it.

Harden's Houston debut served as a glimpse of what the Suns could have had, were things to go that way. It's silly to do that, but it is a natural thing for a fan to do.

Most fans, both of the Suns and the Sun Devils always thought Harden be that sort of player. It is exciting to watch, but it will make Suns fans a bit sad for now.