this sounds bad that Westbrook cared more than Harden about the Rockets direction @Reeko @Os Trigonum
It makes sense considering Harden had already made up his mind that he didn't want to be here by this point.
You mean John Granato, who is friends with Tilman Fertitta believes Westbrook is more involved than Harden... because JVG didn’t say anything negative about Harden at all. When is the last time JVG said anything negative about anyone? He also said the entire Fertitta family was impressive. We know that isn’t true. Granato doesn’t have to like Harden... but don’t put words in JVG’s mouth.
I think it is more like Harden already knew this was not a good idea and why waste his time. Harden knows what he wants. He wanted Lue. He wanted Lucas. Why bother interviewing with someone he already knows is just not going to be a fit.
I actually don't think whats going on is a bad thing. We all know James isn't going to fake injury. Both the Rockets and Harden know that James' value isn't going to diminish. Rockets will try to play it out with the new coach and see where it goes. If its a dumpster fire situation then Tilman will probably move Harden, but if it looks ok he will probably make his decision later on. Keep in mind just because Harden doesn't get traded before training camp doesn't mean he cant be traded. There is a trade deadline, not sure what it is going to be this year because of covid and all but I am sure it wont be any time soon. Rockets are going to give this thing a go and if its garbage by the deadline I am sure you will see a Harden and Westbrook trade. Furthermore I think its better to wait anyways. Teams will have a better idea of if they can push for a championship later on in the season. The teams that think they just need that little edge to get over the hump and become the real deal will be willing to give up even more for someone like Harden and even to a lesser extent Westbrook. Unless they both play like garbage pieces like Harden, Westbrook, and even Gordon will rise in stock near the deadline.
No sources just my personal opinion. I think Harden is coming around to staying in Houston. I think Ibaka not going to BK is an indicator of that by taking less and going to LA. Harden has also been working out in Houston with Christian Wood and maybe realizing that BK may not be as good as everyone thinks they will be. This was also recorded during Hardens hard push to get out so it wouldn’t have surprised me him not being in that interview.