Harden can’t control himself, general managers look elsewhere
Updated Saturday, December 26, 2020
James Harden wants out of Houston, but he can’t get out of his own way. He’s burning bridges he needs to cross if he wants to leave a team that he doesn’t think can win the NBA championship with him on it. The Rockets superstar is auditioning for a new team, and he’s showing too much of his bad side.
For attending a Christmas party in downtown Houston that violated the league’s health and safety protocols, Harden was fined $50,000. That reduces his annual salary by about 1/100, but Commissioner Adam Silver said this fine “was the limit of my authority.” He could have suspended Harden for four games, which would have cost him more than $2 million, but Silver held back because “it’s Christmas and it was a first offense.”
Fearing he could be a spreader, Harden was ruled out of Wednesday’s scheduled season opener at Toyota Center. But he doesn’t lose a paycheck because the game against Oklahoma City was not played. It was postponed when the home team did not have eight players available to suit up.
So they try again on Saturday night in Portland (9 p.m. CST, NBATV), with nine players ready to play, including Harden, reinstated after stringing together three consecutive negative tests. It will be interesting to hear the Harden reception Saturday in one of several cities reported to be a suitor.
Not that anyone in the NBA is in love with Harden. There would be much more interest if he showed more dedication to his craft.
He has two years and $80 million left on his contract, and NBA teams do not invest numbers like that in 31-year-old players who are gaining weight, losing speed and being a nuisance.
Kendrick Perkins, former NBA center who now works for ESPN, said, “I’ve heard from multiple GMs that they’re scared of trading for James Harden, and it has nothing to do with what he does on the court. It’s what he does off the court. They’re concerned that he’s a bad example in the locker room because of his selfish behavior.”
The Miami Heat chilled on Harden when he reported late to camp with a spare tire, something rarely seen in the NBA. The Heat test players every three days for body fat. Harden is too soft for them.
And there’s so much in the national media about him being a horrible teammate. He’s gone from what ESPN termed “boss of the organization” to persona non grata. He’s an MVP who didn’t act like he was devoted to his team long before he demanded a trade. He took off whenever he wanted. He was depicted as a slightly more sober Dennis Rodman.
It’s been reported that Harden got Kevin McHale fired as coach, then chose his replacement, Mike D’Antoni. He talked Daryl Morey into bringing in his pal, Russell Westbrook, to play the backcourt with him. Then he didn’t get along with Westbrook.
Harden added to the negativity this week when, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, he threw a ball at rookie Jae’Sean Tate during an argument in practice. Harden is usually not confrontational or hot-tempered, so this was interpreted as increasing frustration over Houston’s reluctance to move him.
Some Rocket scientists say Harden was sending a message to Morey’s successor, Rafael Stone: Get me outta here, or I’ll be a constant disruptor.
But with his market value plummeting, it’s understandable the Rockets see this as a bad time to sell. If not for coronavirus they would be concerned about Harden turning the home crowd hostile. But since there are no crowds, Stone and tight-fisted owner Tilman Fertitta can be patient.
They cling to the hope – fading by the hour — that Harden will change his mind as he becomes more familiar with a smart new coach and some talented new teammates. Or at least they can change his mind about brainless behavior.
David Fizdale, former NBA coach, said on ESPN’s The Jump, “I see more talent on the Rockets team than they’ve had during the time Harden’s been there. Boogie Cousins at one point was one of the best bigs in the league. He was putting up extreme numbers – 26 points, 13 rebounds. And John Wall is one of the best point guards in this league.”
The Rockets then added Christian Wood, a 6-10 athletic forward, and they’re keeping Eric Gordon and P.J. Tucker. Fizdale thinks there’s enough of a nucleus to contend for a championship.
So far, we’re not seeing much chemistry, even though Harden’s effort was fine in his two preseason appearances, and the new coach, Stephen Silas, is doing all he can to accommodate him.
Harden has had little to say in his media conferences. Does he still want to be traded? “Next question.”
The Rockets might have to wait a month for Harden to regain market value. He’s too intelligent not to come to his senses, but the league wants to see it.
While some doors close, others open. Numerous reports out of Boston say the Celtics are interested in Harden. One report has them willing to part with a talented 24-year-old guard, Jaylen Brown.
The Toronto Raptors also have talked to the Rockets about Harden. And even though Harden does not want to look West, the Portland Trail Blazers have indicated they might welcome a player who’s led the league in scoring for the past three years.
But how much another franchise is willing to give depends greatly on how James Harden plays, practices and parties. He seems hellbent on destroying his career along with the Houston Rockets’ future.
