The James Harden saga in Houston has been treated so thoroughly that we really can not learn much more about the end of his time with the Rockets. Between videos on social media and reports from various media, we know everything, from what Harden did in his time to the discussions that took place in the Rockets’ front office.
However, we got a little more information on Monday, taking into account a report by Kelly Iko and Sam Amick of The Athletic, outlining what went down just before the stocking with four teams that Harden sent to the Brooklyn Nets. Everyone is familiar with the now infamous press conference, in which Harden said the situation could not be rectified.
What was not yet known was that the Rockets had a suspense meeting just ahead of time where John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins claimed responsibility from Harden:
The group was fed up with the antics, tired of the news and the constant questions about Harden’s mood and where it’s all going. And with each passing day Harden stayed in Houston, his presence became increasingly troublesome for a team that just wanted a sense of clarity and understanding.
During the meeting, which was chaired by Silas, and which sealed its decision to keep Harden from subsequent team activities until the completion of the deal, sources believe that several teammates expressed their displeasure with Harden’s recent body language and effort. has. Silas asked if anyone would like to share their unfiltered views, and the dialogue about their dysfunction started from there.
John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins both spoke during the meeting, sources said, seeking direct response to Harden’s level of commitment and preaching on the importance of accountability. For those who were already with the Rockets when Westbrook preached the same message to anyone who wanted to listen, these awkward dynamics were all too familiar.
It really is not that surprising. Harden clearly did not want to be in Houston, and he does not appear to be taking the start of the season seriously during the preseason and playing on the floor. In the last five games before the trade, he averaged just 17.4 points on 37.8 percent of the field, which was well below his usual standard.
Even if a player has as much stellar power as Harden, his teammates will endure it just as long. Especially when two of them are Wall and Cousins, who each worked back years ago from major injuries to be able to play again.