James Harden Is a Rocket in a Hard Place: Unchecked

Staying committed to the Houston Rockets may not be a bad move for James Harden.

Staying committed to the Houston Rockets for the long haul may not be the worst move for James Harden. He does thrive in isolation after all. 

Houston's James Harden remains committed to the Rockets and is "locked in" for the season, sources tell @KellyIkoNBA and me.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 12, 2020

And if Russell Westbrook is indeed traded and Harden stays put, he’ll have the ball in his hands, and the entire franchise on his back. It is worth pointing out that Harden’s game hasn’t exactly been a fit with the last several star teammates he was paired with as Dwight Howard, Chris Paul and perhaps now Westbrook have all come and gone from Houston. 

Does the ideal running mate for James Harden exist?

— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) November 12, 2020

Though to me, the one he really deserves blame for is CP3, because they actually worked well together and even came close to beating the Kevin Durant Warriors. If it was friction between the two that led to the end of that partnership, it isn’t a good look for Harden as we all know what Paul is about, you just have to get used to hearing his mouth.

After changing my mind multiple times, let this be the final take on the Russell Westbrook-CP3 trade: Houston lost that trade. It was obvious the moment it happened. We got fooled into believing that the Rockets won it for a brief bit. But no, that trade *devastated* Houston.

— Roosh (@RooshWilliams) November 12, 2020

In Harden’s defense, the Rockets are the only team to make the playoffs every single year since he was traded there. And The Beard has averaged at least 25 points per game in every season in Houston and over 30 in the last three. So if his career continues with the Rockets, while a championship might not be on the table, neither are those expectations.

JAMES HARDEN 🔥
One of the best offensive players ever! pic.twitter.com/K2qEMbvUfj

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) November 11, 2020

Therefore what he is typically criticized for could now be spun as overachieving. And there’s also something to be said for the adulation he’d receive being loyal to the fan base.

UPDATE: James Harden does NOT want out of Houston despite the Westbrook news, and is “locked in” for next season, via The Athletic.

LOYALTY.

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) November 12, 2020

At this juncture, I don’t know if anyone is going to change their mind about Harden, change of scenery, or not. In Houston at least he’ll continue to get to shoot his shot.