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(Sources) Harden target of criticism in Team meeting

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by DaDakota, Nov 18, 2015.

  1. DaDakota

    DaDakota If you want to know, just ask!

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    http://nba.nbcsports.com/2015/11/18...ustrated-by-james-hardens-play-and-aloofness/

    The Rockets held a players-only meeting.

    The result? Houston fired Kevin McHale.

    But the coach wasn’t the only person criticized in the meeting. James Harden also faced scrutiny.

    Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today:

    While players tried to keep details of the meeting private, two themes emerged, three people told USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the situation. Harden’s play and aloofness have frustrated teammates, and McHale took the brunt of the blame for the team’s play. Practices were not resulting in improved play in games.

    Neither the meeting’s content nor result are surprising.

    Harden’s lack of defensive effort has been glaring, and his offense hasn’t been impressive enough to offset that. But you can’t fire the player. You can fire the coach.

    Really, these issues are all related.

    If Harden defended harder, Houston would have won more, and his teammates would’ve been happier. If his teammates were happier, they might have worked harder in practices. If they worked harder in practice, McHale might have looked more effective. On the flip side, if Harden believed more in McHale, Harden might’ve defended harder. If Harden defended harder… return to step one.

    McHale wasn’t the Rockets’ only problem. Harden has fallen way short of expectations. He now knows his teammates recognize that.

    What will he do about it? He has an opportunity to make amends in a way McHale doesn’t.

    --------------------------------


    Pretty much what a lot of us thought.

    DD
     
  2. chandlerbang21

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    Bravo of this is true
     
  3. SF3isBack!!

    SF3isBack!! Member

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    The whole team is responsible. Harden has been doing way too much for way too long. The minute he doesn't cover everyone else's ass, it's his fault? No he makes everyone look good when he's playing well. Maybe each player should take responsibility for themselves even Harden.
     
  4. RMGEEGEE

    RMGEEGEE Contributing Member

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    Had to look up "aloofness". That's the best word they could come up with?
     
  5. cdastros

    cdastros Member

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    Hardens usage and minutes are way to high. To me that is on the coach.
     
  6. Snow Villiers

    Snow Villiers Member

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    Brewer, Ariza and Howard I would guess are the one's that called him out. Maybe Lawson also.
     
  7. MojoMan

    MojoMan Member

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    The problem here is Khloe Kardashian. She is the source cause for all of the problems with James Harden and by extension the Houston Rockets. Get rid of her and the problems with this team can quickly be resolved.

    Did none of you guys ever see "The Natural" starring Robert Redford? The same thing happened there. He played a superstar athlete, who was awesome until he started hooking up with Kim Basinger's character. Then everything went to hell. As soon as he dumped her, his awesomeness returned.

    This is the solution. End the relationship between James Harden and Khloe Kardashian and the Rockets will be back to life in the fast lane. Case closed.
     
  8. DudeWah

    DudeWah Member

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    I'm glad if this is true.
     
  9. SF3isBack!!

    SF3isBack!! Member

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    Brewer should have hid in a corner during the meeting, lol.
     
  10. shastarocket

    shastarocket Contributing Member

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    What should also be mentioned is that the players came out of the meeting feeling like it was "productive" and without any hard feelings.
     
  11. JeffB

    JeffB Contributing Member
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    Yep. Can't have your "best player" be so flawed and play so lackadaisically. Though they are hard to find, the Rockets need a real leader on the court; a star player without so many other "agendas" (to borrow a word from McHale).
     
  12. DaDakota

    DaDakota If you want to know, just ask!

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    He doesn't play defense at all - he rests in the lane trying for steals leaving his man wide open - it is KILLING this team.

    It is NOT a mismatch if the guys you cover score as much as you do.

    DD
     
  13. DreamShook

    DreamShook Member

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    Looks like Clint had enough of Harden blaming him for all the defensive struggles. Clint has had enough!!! Clint is a savage!
     
    1 person likes this.
  14. T_Man

    T_Man Contributing Member

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    BS.... Harden is getting the same thing that lebron got when he was playing lazy...

    You want the glory and the fame then EARN IT!!!

    Hakeem and Tim both lead by example and not by I was robbed...

    Hakeem felt like he was robbed of the mvp, he didn't sit around and pout... HE GOT EVEN!!!!

    Harden needs to grow up and stop being a freaking momma's boy...

    T_Man
     
  15. cheke64

    cheke64 Member

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    Morey shouldve sat next to Harden. Nobody is above the team. We win as a team. Stay humble
     
  16. YOLO

    YOLO Member

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    shouldn't be much of a surprise to anyone thats watched the games this season which is most of us.
     
  17. YaoMing#1

    YaoMing#1 Member

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    I love harden and absolutely bealive in his talent to lead us to a championship. With that said he's supposed to bring it every night and cover for others and make them better. He's the best player leader and gets all the fame and accolades, He's gets the big money too.

    Harden if playing hard like last year guys will play harder and follow that why there role players there ment follow its why they don't get the stuff harden gets.
     
  18. RasaqBoi

    RasaqBoi Member

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  19. SF3isBack!!

    SF3isBack!! Member

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    I'm not defending Harden completely. He has been atrocious on D. But this stems from us relying way to much on him offensively. Those guys all have sucked the last few games, it's hardly been just Harden. Our players need to each hold themselves accountable because we don't have a coach to do that right now. I can't picture J.B. yelling at Harden or Brewer, lol. He might sit Brew though.
     
  20. chandlerbang21

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    On second thought I don't think any players immediately ran to the news media to disclose what the meeting was about
     

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