USA Today via Reuters
Houston Rockets guard Russell Westbrook (left) celebrates with guard James Harden (13) after dunking against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of game three in the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Houston Rockets guard Russell Westbrook (left) celebrates with guard James Harden (13) after dunking against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of game three in the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
In the NBA, things can change quicker than one can imagine. One day, a player is here to stay, and just in the next, a newsflash can predict him eyeing for options. The latest news coming from the Rockets’ camp is hinting towards something just as uncertain and sporadic.
The second round loss in the NBA Playoffs 2020 led to the Rockets parting ways with GM Daryl Morey and head coach Mike D’Antoni. They were both replaced with the likes of Rafael Stone (internally promoted) and Stephen Silas, respectively. These new hirings were a result of consultation with their star duo. However, recent developments are signaling otherwise.
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A former teammate of James Harden & Russell Westbrook has bad news
In an interview, former NBA Champion Kendrick Perkins surprisingly revealed, “I’m very scared, and Tim Fertitta is really dropping the ball right now.
“Look, James and Russ are not happy. I talked to reliable sources, and I told them I won’t mention their name that today, but James and Russ are not happy. James has not been answering the phone from the ownership or the front office or even coach Silas for about two weeks now.”
This comment seems contradictory at many levels. It can raise several eyebrows, as they hired coach Silas on October 30. So if The Beard is not answering calls from the past 2 weeks, it should be a matter of concern. The 31-YO has won an All-star award every single year since his association with the Rockets. He was inches close to winning an NBA Championship both in 2015 and ‘18, but failed.
Now this comment coming from a source that has played both with Harden and Russ can prove disconcerting for the fans.
James Harden and Russell Westbrook have expressed concerns about uncertainty of Rockets’ immediate future, sources told @wojespn and me. No trade requests have been made and Harden in particular remains engaged with front office in personnel discussions. https://t.co/kstEVb4EUI
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) November 11, 2020
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Are the Rockets willing to keep Russ, or are they considering some moves?
As per Kendrick, “Also, Westbrook is not happy. The reason why is coz they don’t feel included in the process, the front office, the owner. They’re not included in the decision making and news flash, your franchise players got to know what’s going on.
“Tim Fertitta, it’s common senses, not rocket sciences. But for some people, common sense is not that damn common.”
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Both MVP players have identical contracts with the franchise. They’re promised $131.5 million each over the next three seasons and also a $46million+ player option in the last year. While James Harden had earlier revealed his intentions to retire in the Rockets jersey, nothing of that sort can be said for Russell Westbrook.
The organization has made enough changes in the past to equip Harden with helping hands, both as a pick-and-roll partner or in the backcourt. With no first-round draft pick in the coming off-season, will they let Russ move out if he’s willing to? Only the coming few weeks will tell.
