James Harden's playoff success should infuriate Rockets fans to no end

Houston fans are likely cheering for James Harden as the former Rockets guard leads the Cavaliers to a potential conference finals appearance. But seeing Harden thrive is a bittersweet feeling for Rockets fans knowing that their team could have gotten him at the trade deadline. By trading for Harden themselves, the Rockets may have found some more playoff success and helped their young players develop in key situations.

The Rockets are regretting their decision to pass on Harden

The Rockets struggled in the playoffs without a solid point guard to organize and lead their offense. Harden is still one of the best playmakers in the league at age 36, and Cleveland's offense has expectedly taken another leap since he arrived. In particular, Harden's synergy with the big men has unlocked a new level of scoring aggression from Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.

Harden has been known as a playoff dropper throughout his career, but he's playing his role well for the Cavaliers this postseason. In Cleveland, he doesn't have to be the primary offensive option and can instead complement Donovan Mitchell. Both have had their great playoff moments so far, and Game 5 in Houston was excellent for Harden.

He finished with 30 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists in an overtime win. The importance of the game couldn't be overstated in a 2-2 series against the East's top seed. While Harden may not beat the Pistons 4 times by himself, his contribution could be just what the Cavaliers need to support their other talent in an upset win.

Harden could have helped the Rockets' young stars

The Rockets are still searching for their primary option of the future, but did themselves no favors with their poorly organized offense in the playoffs. Young stars like Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson showed flashes of greatness in their first-round series, but also had moments of weaknesses without a point guard.

On the other hand, Mobley (who is in the same draft class as Sengun) has been able to showcase his offensive growth next to Harden. In Game 5, Mobley had clutch baskets including a poster dunk and 3-pointer to send the game into overtime. With Harden to set him up, Mobley is able to grow in a playoff setting and set him up better to handle postseason pressure in the future.

Adding a seasoned playmaker like Harden into the mix could have had a similar positive benefit for Thompson and Sengun. Instead, both were overtasked to initiate Houston's playoff offense rather than thriving in their optimal roles. Their crushing series loss could do more to hurt both young players' development than bringing in an older guard in a facilitating role.

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