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WASHINGTON, USA – January 16: Washington Wizards’ John Wall (2) reacts during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Verizon Center in Washington, USA on January 16, 2017. The Wizards defeated the Blazers 120-101. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, USA – January 16: Washington Wizards’ John Wall (2) reacts during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Verizon Center in Washington, USA on January 16, 2017. The Wizards defeated the Blazers 120-101. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
The Houston Rockets had a tumultuous start to the off-season as their star James Harden declined a two-year contract extension from the team and demanded for a trade instead. A week ago, Rockets finally traded their other want-away star Russell Westbrook and brought in John Wall. Multiple reports suggested that Harden wanted to play with Wall instead of Westbrook.
With the pre-season starting in two days, the Rockets started their practice sessions a week ago. James Harden hasn’t showed up in any of the sessions, so far. All these off-court antics are making it more evident that Harden is desperate for the trade.
John Wall recently made a comment about Harden. According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Wall said, “Whatever he’s going through, he’ll get through it and make the decision that’s best for him, and I think the front office will do the same.”
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John Wall on James Harden: “Whatever he’s going through, he’ll get through it and make the decision that’s best for him, and I think the front office will do the same.” That’s a big step back from Wall previously saying that Harden “for sure” wanted to be in Houston.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) December 10, 2020
It’s very interesting to see that even John Wall changed his statement. Earlier Wall had said that he is sure that Harden will be a Rocket for the next season.
How might John Wall and the Rockets benefit from Harden’s trade?
John Wall is a very similar player to Russell Westbrook. Both the players are most effective when they have the ball in their hand. Last season it was evident that Westbrook struggled to play off-the ball.
That might be the same Wall. Given that he hasn’t played in the league for one and a half seasons, he might struggle even more. With Harden gone, Wall will be getting his preferred role in a much better team than the team than the Wizards.
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WASHINGTON, USA – DECEMBER 19: John Wall (2) of Washington Wizard in action during the NBA match between Washington Wizard and New Orleans Pelicans at the Capital One Arena in Washington, USA on December 19, 2017. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
With the teams like 76ers, Nets and the Heat in the running for the trade, the Rockets will get some exciting young talent, if a trade materializes. The Rockets might have lost the championship window for Harden, but the younger talents will keep the team competitive for a much longer time.
The team did add some decent players this off season. They added DeMarcus Cousins as their center. Boogie suffered from multiple injuries and is returning from a long injury layoff. If he is half as good as he was in Pelicans, he will be a great addition. With his experience, he will be a great guide for younger players.
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Apart from that, Christian Wood will also be a pivotal player for them. Getting him from the free agency was probably the smartest move they did.
Harden’s trade will certainly give the Rockets some great young players. He might be a big miss for them, but if all the younger players develop, the Rockets will become a serious contender for a long time.
