The Houston Rockets are in trouble with 30 losses and just 10 wins this season. Their latest loss came against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night. The loss against the Timberwolves once again highlighted the fact that the Rockets lack experience and mentorship on the hardwood. Amidst this crisis, as per reports, the Rockets are aiming to rebuild and find the right balance for the team quickly. These reports also suggest that the Rockets are looking for a potential deal with James Harden next season. In the thick of these discussions, Austin Rivers, an ex-Rockets star, expressed his concerns regarding the Rockets.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Austin Rivers, who currently flaunts the Timberwolves jersey, spent 19 minutes on the court against his old team. Following this, he cheered for his teammates D’Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards as they dominated the floor. However, during these celebrations, Rivers grew empathetic toward his old team.
NBA Twitter call for James Harden to help the Rockets
As the Timberwolves bagged their fourth straight win, Austin Rivers spoke to the media about the team’s win and commented on the Rockets. While stating that the Rockets have immense talents in the likes of Kevin Porter Jr and Jalen Green, he said, “They (Rockets) need those vets”.?
Rivers explained that Porter and Green, in particular, need the assistance of the veterans or more experienced. They require this to grow and transform as players. His comments caused mayhem on NBA Twitter. Here are some of the reactions:
spitting. we’re playing middle school basketball rn.
— jordan ✞ (@jjxrdann) January 9, 2023
https://twitter.com/sothenrobsaid/status/1612602433875677185?s=20&t=moIgqfr2vo1YIPmHhCFSdg
Speaking Facts https://t.co/I3NuBy0SkY
— Limit (@LimitFPS_) January 10, 2023
JAMES HARDEN https://t.co/RqloGYn0wn
— Boujé®️ (@himphishennessy) January 10, 2023
i know of a guy https://t.co/i0M02iW1sg pic.twitter.com/vzamUGzwiT
— The Boy Who Lived (@Tino_T10) January 9, 2023
I agree. Individual talent and athleticism doesn’t equate to wins. Defense and teamwork does. https://t.co/ePiFIhvwIT
— Darrell Hykes (@hykes_darrell) January 9, 2023
Get them some help! 🙏🏾 https://t.co/dfEmsmk453
— Patt (@Lil_patt_patt) January 10, 2023
https://twitter.com/TBFrm1408/status/1612580089165762561?s=20&t=YJsFHQ-wOsTtZno3J4x1Gw
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
On a large scale, NBA Twitter seemed to agree with Rivers. Some quickly encouraged the organization to get the likes of Porter Jr and Green some help. Fans highlighted that the Rockets aren’t playing NBA Level basketball and that they require a guiding light. Many claimed that this source of guidance could be James Harden.
Rivers, who has spent 11 years in the league, added that if he were on the Rockets roster, then he’d continuously chirp in the ears of the youth. It wouldn’t matter if the team would grow frustrated with him but it is what they require – an experienced player who can be their vocal leader and mentor.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story ??LeBron James, James Harden, Trae Young and Other NBA Stars Give Lionel Messi His Flowers After Argentina?s FIFA World Cup Win
Do you agree with the comments of Austin Rivers? Can James Harden be the right fit for the Rockets? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.