Tilman Fertitta: Rockets will retire James Harden #13

Needs to sell tickets because no one wants to see this trainwreck.

 

Restaurateur logic: ran out of filet mignon...try the chicken!

 

Read his farewell Instagram post “ I always repay my debts” I think he will retire here. Probaly in about three years when he is 34 and still elite he will come back for a 2 to 3 year run with C Wood

 

Correct decision, but strange time to announce it, no? Isn't it weird to say you're retiring a player's number while they're still playing? And in Harden's case, I could see him easily playing another 6-8 years, at that. Does that happen often? What if Harden comes back to Houston? What if he pulls a Kobe and wants to wear a different number at that point?

 

If Lebron can return to Cleveland... and get two superstars with him....

 

I could see it. I don't think Harden has the hate that his fans have for Tilman.

I think he left just because he knew he couldn't win here and he's in his 30s.

 

Deserved

 

Also, I think he was stating no one will wear the number until it’s officially retired. I think it’s a smart move by Tilman, if only to salvage whatever goodwill is left with Harden and pray for a return. I’m glad we traded him to Brooklyn even if it ends up being a bad trade. He’s happy even though they’re probably not gonna win it all. He deserves to choose his destination more so than the others.

 

JH is the second greatest player in Rockets history. This is a no brainer.

 

No brainer and Tillman wouldn't have done this without Harden's blessing. For example, KG still hasn't let the Timberwolves retire his number.

 

I bet he think this is what will make FA's sign.

 

I like this.

 

it's weak AF, b**** ass hoe move.

regarding tonight, i would show 93/94 and 94/95 highlights mixed in with Dream holding the obrien highlights instead of a harden tribute.

 

shut up and take my money

 

Yeah, it's tacky AF

 

I'm sure Dream would honor Harden too, he knows what it's like to try to win alone.

Harden's prime coincided with the most talented team in NBA history. In 2 years, we beat Durant's Warriors in the playoffs as much as THE REST OF THE NBA COMBINED. LeBron with a similarly talented squad lost 4-1 and 4-0. Second go around we had no chance, Paul was a meek chubby role player who was not even playing his famous defense. No chance, even without Durant, they were more talented (former champions without Durant btw).

No shame here. Front office should be ashamed they wasted an opportunity 20 years in the making. We had a star who could beat win with less and we didn't arm him. I'll say it a million times: we were clearly knocking on the door of the finals and Tilman didn't authorize the use of luxury tax. He would be fired if he were an employee.

Harden's best teammates ever were a declining Chris Paul and a declining Dwight Howard. The organization should have given him two players of that caliber at the same time. That's what it takes to win a title. Harden doesn't owe more than this salary, and he gave us double that value.

Save your Harden bashing, he's the second best player in franchise history by far and will be among the NBA historical elites once he's done. By the end of this season, everyone will know he's the best player on Durant's team, and it will be even more obvious we wasted this opportunity.

 

You're still that bitter? It's up to the Rockets to beat the 2nd round opponents as well as the refs onward. Just look at the Raptors who successful did this and got their championship. You can't blame Harden.

 

I thought this kind of thing happened only after the player had retired? Maybe Tilman is hinting something at Harden? I can't believe the Tilman Devil would do something nice without some sinister intention.

 

Telling fans how to fan is also weak AF.

Hell yea, I'm a Rockets fan. Something you and others Hardenstans seem to have forgotten.

 

A no brainer and obvious. That said, good job Tilman. Being aggressive here announcing it before the game. On the very short list of things Tilman has done right.