“Can Be a Heck of a Combination”: Rockets’ John Wall Hoping He Gets to Team Up with James Harden

The Houston Rockets have a new star-duo. The Rockets traded Russell Westbrook in exchange for John Wall and a 2023 first-round pick from the Wizards. The idea is to help tempt James Harden to stay in Houston. However, James Harden’s future remains in doubt.

He no-showed opening day of Rockets training camp because he was out partying with rapper Lil Baby. And when he did return, the NBA said that he must test negative for COVID-19 multiple times before he can join the team again.

But his teammate, John Wall, is looking forward to taking the court with him. When talking to the press, he said they can do well together if they get the chance. He said, “I think me and James [Harden] can be a heck of a combination. I just hope we get the opportunity to get into the regular season and see how it goes.”

However, while John Wall may be excited to play with James Harden, he may not get the opportunity to do so. He has made it very clear to the Rockets that he doesn’t want to stay with the franchise anymore. After multiple disappointments in the playoffs, he wants to call time on his time in Houston.

James Harden wants to leave

Harden joined the Rockets in 2012, in search of more game time after being a bench player on OKC. Since joining the Rockets, he has been a perennial All-Star and one of the best players in the NBA. And he has also been a regular contender for the league MVP. In 2018, he was awarded the league MVP for his great season.

In fact, Harden had several All-Star teammates during his team with the Houston Rockets. He played with Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, and Russell Westbrook. But even with such great players, Harden was never able to get past the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers. Since he joined the Rockets, he never took them to an NBA Finals.

It appears as though their 2020 playoff run and its fallout was the last straw for James Harden. The Rockets sacked Mike D’Antoni and Daryl Morey left as president of basketball operations. Now it appears, Harden wants to join a contender, but the Rockets do not want to trade him for assets.

It remains to be seen whether Harden remains with the Houston Rockets or gets his trade wish. Harden will be a superstar wherever he goes, but he could also form a great tandem with John Wall.