We are all diehard Rockets fans in this forum. You could probably blame Reddit or Twitter opinions on the national media, but not us. We saw when the media tried to portray James as the worst defender in the league, and knew he had good post defense in him. We saw when everyone said he had fake stats, and he still put up 40-10 when their teams faced him. We saw when the NBA changed the rules because of him and he continued to be an offensive force. We also saw when he had a thousand yard stare in each and every playoff game when adversity struck. We watched Corey Brewer and Josh Smith save his ass. We watched the "concussion" narrative around the Spurs series. We saw Golden State games 6 and 7 without Paul. He's a mansion built on a quicksand foundation. Forcing his way out of Houston sealed the deal, and then he doubled down in Brooklyn and tripled down on Philly. Career implosion is complete if they don't win this year. Some used to talk about whether he's on Hakeem's level. He's closer to Tracy McGrady's level. As a Rockets fan I love guys like Calvin, Clyde, Elvin, Yao, and even Maxwell more than Harden. Harden never gave a damn about anyone but himself in the organization or about the organization (although he has done some charity work and deserves props for that.)
I think he is just a misguided soul on what winning is all about...... I still think he is not a bad son to his mother....there is that.
He's a great player than never had "it". He certainly created a new era of basketball in Houston and made a big impact on the league when he was in his peak prime. I'm actually not too mad that he forced his way out of Houston, because it was already clear that it was over. However, he pretty much ruined his legacy afterwards.
Harden def above Tmac level. Similar personality quirks that held them back, but Harden accomplished more for us and put us in the national conversation. In the pantheon, he's with Moses and he deserves to have his jersey retired a few years after the drama dies down. Sucks to see him be and act where is now, but he gave rockets fans hope in the 25 year post dream years.
