Before the off-season started, multiple reports emerged that both the stars, Russell Westbrook and James Harden had demanded trades. Weeks into the off-season, Houston Rockets have traded Westbrook but still have Harden on the team.
The team has brought in John Wall now as their second star and will hope that this can convince Harden to stay. But ‘The Beard has been pretty busy, it seems. He missed the initial voluntary training sessions.
The 8-time All Star again missed today’s practice sessions, and the Rockets’ new head coach Stephen Silas confirmed this.
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Coach Silas says James Harden didn’t take part in today’s practice.
Silas says due to NBA protocol he’s not allowed to practice with the team but he’ll go through an isolated workout tonight.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIkoNBA) December 6, 2020
Hours after missing the practice, Harden posted a very cryptic Instagram story.
James Harden just shared this on his IG story after missing Rockets practice earlier today. 👀 pic.twitter.com/7U3TEJyvtA
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) December 6, 2020
The Rockets will try to make sure that they can keep their disgruntled star, at least for this season. It is too early to predict that, however. His off-court antics might suggest otherwise for now. Only Harden knows what he is up to. Until then, all eyes are set on him.
Should James Harden have one last go with the Rockets?
The Rockets have been one of the top teams in the West for some time now, thanks to James Harden. The front office has regularly tried to bring in more players to complement the 2017-18 MVP.
They have always come very close to reach the top of the West but are somehow hindered by injuries, or superior teams like the Lakers or the Warriors.
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Last season, the team shook things up and go for a small-ball approach. The team was devoid of a center. They also brought in Harden’s long-time friend, Russell Westbrook. All those moves just did not work for them and ultimately failed miserably.
If a team is so committed to a star, it speaks volumes about how much they value him. They have traded for John Wall who Harden wants to play with. He is coming off an injury, but in his pre-season workouts looked pretty fit.
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This season they have added a dominant center in DeMarcus Cousins, who is a good offensive player too. They have added Christian Wood from the free agency, who is a significant addition in the power forward position and will surely start under Silas.
The Houston Rockets have made some interesting moves and have added players who are ready to compete. With limited potential trades available for him, Harden can have one last go with this new look Rockets roster.