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Rockets' Motiejunas misquoted about Harden, Howard not eating with team

Rockets' Motiejunas misquoted about James Harden, Dwight Howard not eating with team
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Houston Rockets forward Donatas Motiejuna was in the headlines Friday when word spread that he said Rockets stars James Harden and Dwight Howard eat separately from the rest of the team during meals. The news orginated from the following tweet, with the explanation that Motiejunas made the comment to radio station ZIP FM.

In reality, here's the transcript of the interview. 

Q: When communicating with Howard and Harden, what do you guys talk about?
A: Basically, I just say "Hello" and "Goodbye" to them.
Q: They don't invite you to barbecue or something?
A: No, they eat different food than me.
Q: What? Do you think they eat oysters?
A: No..... being European, I am more likely to eat oyster than them. They eat fast food.

Talk about being lost in translation.

Harden and Howard made headlines this summer for comments they made relating to former Rockets forward Chandler Parsons, who signed with the Dallas Mavericks after Houston declined to match the Mavericks' offer sheet.

Harden said that all players on the Rockets besides he and Howard are merely "role players." Howard said Parsons' departure "won't affect us at all."

Houston went 54-28 last season after signing Howard in July 2013; the Rockets lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Portland Trail Blazers.

More: Southwest Division offseason grades

The Rockets had a difficult offseason. In addition to letting Parsons walk, the team traded guard Jeremy Lin and center Omer Asik and failed to land Heat forward Chris Bosh.

After failing to sign Bosh or retain Parsons, the team added Trevor Ariza.

- Ben Estes