Hardened Hostages with Savage Tricks: Houston Rockets 2020/2021 Season Preview
A New Era Begins. Redemption Season. Doctoring the Elephant.
“It’s what it is,” a repetitive quote from Martin Scorcese’s mob epic, The Irishman, one that signifies a kind of certainty, no matter the conditions. As the Rockets prepare to begin arguably the strangest season in franchise history, Houston finds itself in uncertain conditions. Things feel different. The Rockets aren’t riding with the current, they’re fighting against it. There’s no more Daryl Morey, Houston’s GM since 2007, and no more Mike D’Antoni, Head Coach since 2016. Russell Westbrook demanded a trade, and was shipped to Washington D.C. for John Wall, a slight downgrade, but still an All-Star caliber point guard when healthy. New GM Rafael Stone snagged the pick of the off-season, grabbing Christian Wood, poised for a breakout season, in free agency. Stone also picked up a rejuvenated DeMarcus Cousins, who, along with Wall, have shown signs of their former selves in the pre-season. Long gone are the days of small ball in H-Town. The end of 2020 introduces a new style of Rockets basketball to the world, one with a giant elephant in the room. The biggest ongoing topic hitting the news feeds in the NBA is Houston’s superstar’s desire to be traded elsewhere, and the story will continue to make headlines until Harden is dealt, something which can’t help but be an unfortunate distraction for the rest of the squad. It really didn’t feel like the Beard was going to leave until Brodie got his trade demand granted. One can only think James Harden thinks he deserves that, if not, even more power. Hence, he figures he deserves a trade to show he can make waves in the NBA due to his status. But Harden doesn’t know what he wants. His “preferred trade destinations list” grows each day. It’s what it is.
The face of the franchise since he arrived to H-Town in 2012, James Harden, is now the NBA’s biggest diva, partying at strip clubs, flying wherever he pleases, as he continues to hold the Rockets hostage. The Beard is demanding a trade out of Houston. Which is unfortunate, consider the Rockets have the best roster around Harden since he arrived in town. And now, after 8 years, all of sudden, he wants out? Yep. The problem is, Houston can’t find a deal with anything close to the value Harden’s worth. And the Beard’s malicious behavior is only pushing himself away from his own suitors. It’s sad that James doesn’t realize, if he actually wants to win, the best position is right here in Houston. A little over two years ago, the Rockets seemed on the cusp of an NBA title. Now, they’re a franchise held hostage in the spotlight by one of the league’s biggest stars, who wants anything but to play in Houston anymore. Luckily for the Rockets, they have the Beard under contract for two more seasons. Harden can complain all he wants, but Houston doesn’t have to comply to any demands. The NBA is a players’ league. Superstars have a lot of power, but the Rockets have leverage here. Unless Harden starts really behaving like a miscreant, Houston should be able to hold ship, until a relevant, acceptable deal comes to the table.
As for the rest of the Rockets, P.J. Tucker, Eric Gordon, Danuel House Jr., Ben McLemore, and Chris Clemons return, along with Harden (for now), from last year’s squad. I have an eerie feeling, Tucker, unhappy, and rightfully so, due to not being given a contract extension, is going wherever James goes. Tucker is Harden’s closest teammate, and has been since he arrived in Houston in 2017. The two are frequently seen entering the arena together, and have strong chemistry and rapport on the court. To lose Harden is one thing, but Tucker as well, that really stings. P.J.’s now 35, and won’t have many years left in the league. It would be nice to see him finish his career in Houston, but that looks uncertain at the moment. Tucker has more than earned an extension with the Rockets. It’s ridiculous the team won’t give him an extension. I guarantee Tucker’s unhappiness is one of many factors persuading Harden’s choice to demand a trade elsewhere. For now, the Rockets will have to find a way to use Harden, and the power he wields, as best they can. He may be destructive in the locker-room, but the Beard loves to hoop. It’s hard imagining Harden being less than impressive, at least on offense, this season. Expect the Beard to look apathetic on defense, something Houston will hope to change as the season moves on. This year, instead of the usual 82-game regular season, each team will play 72 times. Which means each game is more important. And there won’t be fans at most arenas, but no bubble exists. We’ve already seen repercussions from that, as the Rockets’ season opener on Wednesday was postponed, due to Houston not being able to suit up the minimum requirement of eight players. The Rockets experienced a small outbreak of Covid-19, stemming from a barber at rookie K.J. Martin’s residence. Chris Clemons, unfortunately suffered a torn-ACL in the pre-season, and will miss the entire year, only leaving the Rockets with a thinner roster.
It’s hard to tell, at this moment, what changes the virus will have on the NBA this season, and how many more games are postponed. Houston’s opener likely won’t be the only game that encounters these circumstances this season. It’s something every team has to deal with, but with a player behaving like a modern-day “Worm” (aka Dennis Rodman), Harden only puts the Rockets in more jeopardy. It’s clear he hasn’t cared to listen to the NBA’s protocols for this season. Is it part of his ploy to get shipped out of H-Town? We’ll find out once the season starts. One would think John Wall and Harden would form one of the league’s best backcourts. And along with a revitalized DeMarcus Cousins, and a budding player on the cusp of being a star, Christian Wood, this Rockets team has potential to do serious damage. Even without Harden on the court, should he choose not to play, or when that day comes, Houston has enough to win without the Beard. After being one of the older teams the past few years, the Rockets have a nice mix of youth and veterans on the roster. Former Kentucky Wildcats, number one picks, and All-Stars John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins, when healthy, are enough to push Houston into the playoffs. In a perfect world, the Rockets play well enough to convince Harden to stay. But who knows what the Beard wants. It seems as if, he’s mentally checked out. The regular season will be telling, especially early. It shouldn’t take long to find out if Harden is going to ride ship with the squad, or if Houston will have a nutcase on their hands all season. If the Beard becomes a distraction, one that impacts their performance as a team on the court, he needs to be traded as soon as possible. Can Harden and Houston kiss and make-up? Or will the Rockets continue to be held hostage by one of the league’s biggest superstars? We’ll find out soon enough. New Head Coach Stephen Silas has said all the right things, but he’s got a lot to manage on his plate as he prepares to begin his first season as an NBA Head Coach. The long-time NBA-assistant coach, is well-versed in the game, and seems to get along and empower his players to listen. If only Harden would buy in. But at this point, he seems to have made up his decision… it’s what it is.
Awesome article!!!!
Thanks!