RsxPiimp
02-17-2016, 07:23 PM
The partnership of Dwight Howard and James Harden hasn't delivered the success expected by the Houston Rockets following Howard's arrival. According to NBA.com's Fran Blinebury, issues between the two extended beyond the court following a first-round playoff exit to the Portland Trail Blazers in 2013-14.
On Feb. 11, Blinebury reported Harden and Howard were angling to get the other player traded days after Damian Lillard sent the Blazers through to the second round. Blinebury went on to describe why the two have at times made for a poor match:
For three seasons with Harden and Howard, the Rockets have lacked leadership on the court and are not seen by opponents as a team that works hard. Both want the perks and trappings of being the big dog pulling the wagon, but neither will do the real work. Howard smiles and says everybody should keep positive thoughts. Harden shrugs his head and goes back to seeking his next 40-point game.
If there was any friction between Howard and Harden, it seemed to cease as the Rockets reached the Western Conference Finals last year. However, questions as to their relationship have come up again after Houston's 27-28 start. The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski also reported general manager Daryl Morey was looking to deal Howard ahead of Thursday's trade deadline.
On Dec. 15, Chris Sheridan of Sheridan Hoops reported, citing sources, that Howard was growing tired of "playing second fiddle to alpha dog James Harden." The eight-time All-Star denied he was looking to be traded and added that he was working to form a stronger rapport with his fellow All-Star, per USA Today Sports' Sam Amick.
"The thing we are trying to build on the most is chemistry between me and James," Howard said on Dec. 22, per Jenny Dial Creech of the Houston Chronicle. "We have played together for two years, but the best way to build chemistry is to have those individual workouts together."
Add those comments together with the trade rumors, and it would appear Morey and the Rockets front office have given up on trying to build the team around Howard and Harden.
The former Defensive Player of the Year can opt out of his current deal and enter free agency in the summer, and his departure might benefit all involved.
On Feb. 11, Blinebury reported Harden and Howard were angling to get the other player traded days after Damian Lillard sent the Blazers through to the second round. Blinebury went on to describe why the two have at times made for a poor match:
For three seasons with Harden and Howard, the Rockets have lacked leadership on the court and are not seen by opponents as a team that works hard. Both want the perks and trappings of being the big dog pulling the wagon, but neither will do the real work. Howard smiles and says everybody should keep positive thoughts. Harden shrugs his head and goes back to seeking his next 40-point game.
If there was any friction between Howard and Harden, it seemed to cease as the Rockets reached the Western Conference Finals last year. However, questions as to their relationship have come up again after Houston's 27-28 start. The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski also reported general manager Daryl Morey was looking to deal Howard ahead of Thursday's trade deadline.
On Dec. 15, Chris Sheridan of Sheridan Hoops reported, citing sources, that Howard was growing tired of "playing second fiddle to alpha dog James Harden." The eight-time All-Star denied he was looking to be traded and added that he was working to form a stronger rapport with his fellow All-Star, per USA Today Sports' Sam Amick.
"The thing we are trying to build on the most is chemistry between me and James," Howard said on Dec. 22, per Jenny Dial Creech of the Houston Chronicle. "We have played together for two years, but the best way to build chemistry is to have those individual workouts together."
Add those comments together with the trade rumors, and it would appear Morey and the Rockets front office have given up on trying to build the team around Howard and Harden.
The former Defensive Player of the Year can opt out of his current deal and enter free agency in the summer, and his departure might benefit all involved.