Harden on his teammates

[Clipper Nation]

"Dwight (Howard) and I are the cornerstones of the Rockets,” said Harden. “The rest of the guys are role players or pieces that complete our team. We’ve lost some pieces and added some pieces. I think we’ll be fine next season."

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/07/24/james-harden-dwight-and-i-are-the-cornerstones-of-the-rockets-the-rest-of-the-guys-are-role-players/

:lol Funny how important role players become when he needs a scapegoat (Lin) or someone to play defense for him (switching Parsons onto Lillard)....

:lol at someone who plays no defense, has no offensive game beyond flopping, and shoots 38% in the playoffs referring to himself as a "cornerstone"

[djohn2oo8]

It's a dig at Parsons. Obviously.

[djohn2oo8]

"but when asked about the loss of Parsons and other roster moves Harden said this."

Of course you leave that out.

[DMC]

"Dwight (Howard) and I are the cornerstones of the Rockets,” said Harden. “The rest of the guys are role players or pieces that complete our team. We’ve lost some pieces and added some pieces. I think we’ll be fine next season."

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/07/24/james-harden-dwight-and-i-are-the-cornerstones-of-the-rockets-the-rest-of-the-guys-are-role-players/

:lol Funny how important role players become when he needs a scapegoat (Lin) or someone to play defense for him (switching Parsons onto Lillard)....

:lol at someone who plays no defense, has no offensive game beyond flopping, and shoots 38% in the playoffs referring to himself as a "cornerstone"

I think the term "role player" has taken on a negative connotation on these forums, as in "just a role player". It's not a negative comment. Notice he didn't say "just role players"? Kawhi Leonard was a role player, as was Danny Green, Patty Mills and the incomparable Jeff Ayers.

[Double-Up]

I don't have a problem with what he said because it's true.

[Clipper Nation]

It's a dig at Parsons. Obviously.
And? Regardless of who he's trying to get a dig in at, if I'm a role player on the Rockets and one of the "team leaders" (in the loosest sense of the term) is writing me off as just "a piece," I'm not going to be happy....

I understand he's technically right, but it's still a douchey thing to say and he clearly doesn't understand the importance of team chemistry....

[Clipper Nation]

Additionally, if he's going to say things like this, he needs to back it up.... that means showing up in the playoffs, working to improve his game so he can actually be a cornerstone, not making excuses, and not using the role players as scapegoats like he did with Lin....

[phyzik]

I think the term "role player" has taken on a negative connotation on these forums, as in "just a role player". It's not a negative comment. Notice he didn't say "just role players"? Kawhi Leonard was a role player, as was Danny Green, Patty Mills and the incomparable Jeff Ayers.

You are making it so hard not to turn this into another Kobe thread TBH.

[djohn2oo8]

Well he did say they are pieces that complete the team too, which means importance and being valuable. Not really negative.

[djohn2oo8]

Additionally, if he's going to say things like this, he needs to back it up.... that means showing up in the playoffs, working to improve his game so he can actually be a cornerstone, not making excuses, and not using the role players as scapegoats like he did with Lin....
Yes he needs to back it up. And Lin cost them 2 games, nearly 3 in the playoffs by himself. As he was a negative against the Thunder the year before too.

[Indazone]

Even Michael Jordan at his peak never said that. He knew what "Team" was. He called Pippen out but only cause Pippen needed to be called out. Harden is a prick

[djohn2oo8]

Even Michael Jordan at his peak never said that. He knew what "Team" was. He called Pippen out but only cause Pippen needed to be called out. Harden is a prick
He's not calling out his teammates. Everything starts and ends with him and Dwight, how far they go or don't go rests with them. Not Parsons, not Lin, not Asik or whoever.

[djohn2oo8]

Oh and Jordan wasn't a prick?

[Clipper Nation]

Even Michael Jordan at his peak never said that. He knew what "Team" was. He called Pippen out but only cause Pippen needed to be called out. Harden is a prick
In fairness, DK's assholery to his teammates is only rivaled by Kirby :lol

[ambchang]

Even Michael Jordan at his peak never said that. He knew what "Team" was. He called Pippen out but only cause Pippen needed to be called out. Harden is a prick

Jordan coined the term supporting cast in a basketball sense. It made it clear he was the star of the show, and the rest are just supporting him.

And this was before he won his first ring.

Jordan calls out his teammates all the time.

[Spur-Addict]

Additionally, if he's going to say things like this, he needs to back it up.... that means showing up in the playoffs, working to improve his game so he can actually be a cornerstone, not making excuses, and not using the role players as scapegoats like he did with Lin....

I wonder how he feels about a role player named Wes Matthews stifling the cornerstone

[spurraider21]

He's not calling out his teammates. Everything starts and ends with him and Dwight, how far they go or don't go rests with them. Not Parsons, not Lin, not Asik or whoever.


Yes he needs to back it up. And Lin cost them 2 games, nearly 3 in the playoffs by himself. As he was a negative against the Thunder the year before too.
can't have your cake and eat it too

[djohn2oo8]

can't have your cake and eat it too
My point. Lin is gone now. No more scapegoats.

[spurraider21]

was a pretty funny free agency period, none of the West's playoff teams outside of Dallas has actually made significant upgrades

[Clipper Nation]

was a pretty funny free agency period, none of the West's playoff teams outside of Dallas has actually made significant upgrades
Going from arguably the worst backup bigs in the league to Hawes is fairly significant, tbh.....

[mavsfan1000]

Well it looks like not many players would want to stay playing for a teammate like Harden.

[dg7md]

Oh and Jordan wasn't a prick?

Maybe he was, but Jordan backed it up. Harden needs to ring at least once or take over a game without chucking to really deserve the right to call him a cornerstone piece...

I do like Harden and his game, but this was a weird thing for him to say. :lol Not that I think it was anything more than him dissing Parsons, though.

[skut_farkus]

After hardens last couple of playoff performances he really should just shut up and focus on making himself better. Dwight was the only player on that team who should be able to talk like that. I can already see these comments scaring off other free agents from signing there. Probably the most manufactured "superstar" in the league tbh

[The Gemini Method]

Dude shouldn't speak--his defense is terrible...absolute shit and he has the audacity to claim himself as the cornerstone. Granted, Dwert is a cornerstone. Harden's bitchmode with OKC in the playoffs in 2012 and last year being inconsistent, it warrants questioning his labeling.

[HemisfairArena]

Rockets wont win shit as longer as the bricker Harden is on the team,,,

[Mao Zedong]

TBH. what he said is true.

But it's completely wrong he is the one saying it, a player that is simply terrible on the defensive end.
And, also true, Harden is no star. He is actually a role-player. A better payed role-player.

[spurraider21]

its a shitty quote to give if you are trying to be a team leader, and there's no 2 ways around it

[RsxPiimp]

Additionally, if he's going to say things like this, he needs to back it up.... that means showing up in the playoffs, working to improve his game so he can actually be a cornerstone, not making excuses, and not using the role players as scapegoats like he did with Lin....

This a billion times. Harden at least needs to show up before belittling his teammates:lol

Parsons was far more effective in the playoffs than Harden

[RsxPiimp]

Dude not only is a horrible defensive player he also completely disappears on offense :lol

[ElNono]

Rockets have nothing to worry about with team leader Dwight Howard putting in work...

























http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M-XL5DJ0SJs/UdfhJbbXmAI/AAAAAAAAIXQ/k6H-oMwIUyA/s640/Dwight+Howard+Cookie.gif

[D-Wade]

The issue isn't with Harden (and D-12) calling other plays role players, but calling themselves cornerstones. Win something first. At least D-12 showed up in the playoffs. Harden was very mediocre in that Portland series.

[Robz4000]

Going from arguably the worst backup bigs in the league to Hawes is fairly significant, tbh.....

The Clippers' two biggest issues are still very much real however: no reliable SF and CPChoke. They may not've had a solid third big, but your two starting bigs are young and above average at worst.

[Clipper Nation]

The Clippers' two biggest issues are still very much real however: no reliable SF and CPChoke. They may not've had a solid third big, but your two starting bigs are young and above average at worst.

Tbh, the Mullens/Hollins/Jamison cavalcade of shit was almost equally as costly to us last year as Dudley and Barnes.... we couldn't really manage Blake and DJ's minutes to keep them fresh for the playoffs because our D-League quality backup bigs were incapable of doing anything other than fouling....

I do agree that Doc and the FO need to be on their hands and knees begging for Marion to take the minimum in exchange for a guaranteed starting role, though :lol

[m>s]

Tbh, the Mullens/Hollins/Jamison cavalcade of shit was almost equally as costly to us last year as Dudley and Barnes.... we couldn't really manage Blake and DJ's minutes to keep them fresh for the playoffs because our D-League quality backup bigs were incapable of doing anything other than fouling....

I do agree that Doc and the FO need to be on their hands and knees begging for Marion to take the minimum in exchange for a guaranteed starting role, though :lol
he ain't taking the minimum..for that price he'd just come back to dallas for added depth he likes it here

[Clipper Nation]

he ain't taking the minimum..for that price he'd just come back to dallas for added depth he likes it here

Isn't Dallas using their last roster spot on Jameer?

[ElNono]

Going from arguably the worst backup bigs in the league to Hawes is fairly significant, tbh.....

That was really not a problem for the Clips, seeing the starting bigs could play minutes... and tbh, I like Hawes, but he's not better than big baby...

The wings are still the main issue.

[m>s]

Isn't Dallas using their last roster spot on Jameer?

>implying we wouldn't just cut fatshit felton

[djohn2oo8]

492427436902993920

492413630495748097

Damn Trevor, that grammar.....

[djohn2oo8]

492384167569924098

[Clipper Nation]

492427436902993920

492413630495748097

Damn Trevor, that grammar.....
Unlike Harden, Ariza and Daniels clearly have tact, tbh....

[djohn2oo8]

492393671237853184

Ironic. "I'm the best SF in the series"


James Harden forgot how he got his start. #entitledBitch (https://twitter.com/hashtag/entitledBitch?src=hash)
— Chris Parsons (@CParsons41) July 24, 2014 (https://twitter.com/CParsons41/statuses/492432281303547905)


Really looking forward to the first @dallasmavs (https://twitter.com/dallasmavs) @HoustonRockets (https://twitter.com/HoustonRockets) game. The kid is gonna be hungry let me tell u
4:30 PM - 24 Jul 2014 (https://twitter.com/chucknasty34/statuses/492421528374743041) Miami, FL, United States


:lol hiding behind his brother, then deleting the tweets

[djohn2oo8]

492440342168625153

[djohn2oo8]

492443236091588608

492443402135674882

:lol minutes per game played be damned I guess. Lame not posting this shit his own self.

[Clipper Nation]

492440342168625153
He shouldn't have deleted it, he was 100% correct :lol

[djohn2oo8]

He shouldn't have deleted it, he was 100% correct :lol
He should have let his brother post it instead of being a pussy.

[Bulaien999]

I'm sure the other players knew this was about Parsons comments about being offended

[djohn2oo8]

I'm sure the other players knew this was about Parsons comments about being offended
Yeah they knew. Even Lin said the comments weren't derogatory. Parsons was the only one who who took it up the ass.

[RsxPiimp]

Morey's douchebaggery rubbing on Dwight and Harden

[~O~]

This team is going to collapse. They peaked last year. Its over.

[djohn2oo8]

Morey's douchebaggery rubbing on Dwight and Harden
Why? Because they said everything starts and ends with them which is true?

[D-Wade]

And McFail is still at the helm of this dysfunctional ship :lol

[RsxPiimp]

Why? Because they said everything starts and ends with them which is true?

Dude, you don't need to defend every action they take. You have to admit this is a bad publicity on every angle. You don't diss your teammates like that.

[djohn2oo8]

Dude, you don't need to defend every action they take. You have to admit this is a bad publicity on every angle. You don't diss your teammates like that.

Diss by saying what? Role player is not a negative connotation, neither is piece or pieces. Jesus a bunch of pussies round here.

[RsxPiimp]

This team is going to collapse. They peaked last year. Its over.

I've called that weeks ago. They have 2 years left to impress Dwight. They alredy threw this year away, so unless Morey pulls another FA from the market then there's a good chance the Rockets ceiling will always be 2nd round in year 3.


Rockets fans are applauding Dwight for leaving L.A. and defending his actions but like it or not, he's about to give y'alls the same treatment :lol

[Koolaid_Man]

I've called that weeks ago. They have 2 years left to impress Dwight. They alredy threw this year away, so unless Morey pulls another FA from the market then there's a good chance the Rockets ceiling will always be 2nd round in year 3.


Rockets fans are applauding Dwight for leaving L.A. and defending his actions but like it or not, he's about to give y'alls the same treatment :lol

:lmao the reality that Dickless John2008 doens't realize is that Yao / Tmac > Dwert / Harden

[King Emmanuel]

:lmao the reality that Dickless John2008 doens't realize is that Yao / Tmac > Dwert / Harden

dickless john2008? ha ha

[djohn2oo8]

:lmao the reality that Dickless John2008 doens't realize is that Yao / Tmac > Dwert / Harden
If that's true, then why did you promise him a statue Cedric?

[Mugen]

Cornerstones of a first round exit team that got worse tbh. :lol

[Malik Hairston]

Morey's douchebaggery rubbing on Dwight and Harden

Pretty sure they were both like that long before Morey, to be fair, especially Howard:lol..

[StrengthAndHonor]

"That's a pretty ridiculous statement if he meant that," Parsons said. "That's part of the reason I wanted to go to Dallas, because I'm ready for that next step. I'm ready for a bigger role and I'm ready for more leadership.


"If anybody should understand that, it's James, because he was in the same situation in Oklahoma City and then he got his chance to come to Houston and shine. I'm not real sure what that means."

[apalisoc_9]

Parson is one of the most annoying player in the league right now.

While harden might be right, you have to consider the fact that more team are starting to lean towards team ball more than ever...Dad Killer could have made those remarks and not get in trouble mainly because the 90's was even a bigger star oriented league..thanks to San Antonio and to a lesser extent Miami, more role players are starting to understand their own importance and how they shouldn't be smack talked by star players...

It doesn't matter if Harden is right or not, point is, some of the guys in the lockeroom most like had a problem with what he said...

Btw, Parsons is never going to a Star player...What an overrated stat padding faggot.

[Fpoonsie]

You could even say Harden was hard ON his teammates.

http://media.tumblr.com/147a02d584de13f3cd9d7ed9e92f594c/tumblr_inline_mv7digz1pt1rwdvor.gif

[King Emmanuel]

You could even say Harden was hard ON his teammates.

http://media.tumblr.com/147a02d584de13f3cd9d7ed9e92f594c/tumblr_inline_mv7digz1pt1rwdvor.gif

ha ha ha ha

[Indazone]

Asik, Lin and Parson's who are no longer constrained to be politically correct as they no longer work for the organization can say whatever they want. Lin for his part has been only saying he'd like a larger role, implying indirectly that he feels like he is better than he was treated. Don't forget the dustup over showing Carmelo Anthony in Lin's jersey. Lin said he felt disrespected. So yes we can say that Lin is disgruntled.

Parson's is obvious. He flat out says he was offended. Thought he wasn't treated right and now he's a Dallas Maverick.

Asik hasn't said anything but his actions last year said it all. Morey told him he was going to be the starter and then brought in Howard relegating Asik to being a backup which he didn't take too well sitting out half the year. Asik was not happy with the organization either.

I guess being treated like an asset doesn't go over too well if you're a "role" player.

[Kool Bob Love]

Is this legit?
492443236091588608
492443402135674882

[KaiRMD1]

Truth or not, ol' sport just shit on the rest of the team and in the process, brought Dwight down with him without asking for permission

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

No wonder they can't attract any decent players, who'd want to play with them two assholes.

[djohn2oo8]

Asik, Lin and Parson's who are no longer constrained to be politically correct as they no longer work for the organization can say whatever they want. Lin for his part has been only saying he'd like a larger role, implying indirectly that he feels like he is better than he was treated. Don't forget the dustup over showing Carmelo Anthony in Lin's jersey. Lin said he felt disrespected. So yes we can say that Lin is disgruntled.

Parson's is obvious. He flat out says he was offended. Thought he wasn't treated right and now he's a Dallas Maverick.

Asik hasn't said anything but his actions last year said it all. Morey told him he was going to be the starter and then brought in Howard relegating Asik to being a backup which he didn't take too well sitting out half the year. Asik was not happy with the organization either.

I guess being treated like an asset doesn't go over too well if you're a "role" player.

Grown men don't ever admit to being offended. That's a bitch trait.

[Bulaien999]

Is this legit?
492443236091588608
492443402135674882

Harden played only 30 minutes that season compared to the 37 Parsons is already playing. 3 less shot attempts per game as well for Harden

[djohn2oo8]

Harden played only 30 minutes that season compared to the 37 Parsons is already playing. 3 less shot attempts per game as well for Harden
Yep.

[moisaenz]

Yep.

and way more free throw attempts as well.

[mavsfan1000]

Yep.
But he has to work with ball hogs like Harden and Howard. Amazing he was able to get as many shots as he did.

[djohn2oo8]

But he has to work with ball hogs like Harden and Howard. Amazing he was able to get as many shots as he did.

Parsons took more shots than Dwight. Oh and the fact each time Parsons tried to take his defender one on one without a pump fake it was a turnover.

[toki9]

If your wife asks you, "Do these pants make me look fat", then there's only one right answer--regardless of what you know to be true. It's kind of like that with Harden's comments. What he said may be true, but you still have to consider the feelings and egos of those close to you. As a comparison, remember Duncan's comments after the Finals about riding Kawhi's coattail for as long as possible? The greatest player in the history of the franchise saying that about a 3rd year guy? But that probably has a lot more to do with Duncan's sense of security and also his maturity.

[Indazone]

If your wife asks you, "Do these pants make me look fat", then there's only one right answer--regardless of what you know to be true. It's kind of like that with Harden's comments. What he said may be true, but you still have to consider the feelings and egos of those close to you. As a comparison, remember Duncan's comments after the Finals about riding Kawhi's coattail for as long as possible? The greatest player in the history of the franchise saying that about a 3rd year guy? But that probably has a lot more to do with Duncan's sense of security and also his maturity.

:tu

[AlexJones]

"Dwight (Howard) and I are the cornerstones of the Rockets,” said Harden. “The rest of the guys are role players or pieces that complete our team. We’ve lost some pieces and added some pieces. I think we’ll be fine next season."

Nice accuracy from the MVP tbh

[djohn2oo8]

Nice accuracy from the MVP tbh

Everyone was in an uproar about that last off-season.