James Harden on current Rockets: 'I love what we have'

Before anyone freaks out (I've already seen a few on Twitter), please keep in mind that this is essentially what Harden and Morey HAVE to say publicly. Not saying it's not true, but the nature of the question boxes them in. If either says "Yeah, we're hoping to make a splash move!", then it comes across as not showing confidence in the current group (38-17, No. 3 seed) and/or it gets players in that locker room wondering if they're someone that would leave in such a deal. In other words, it's a distraction.

If a trade happens, it happens. Deal with it then. But there's no upside to the Rockets talking up the chances beforehand. Only downside. It's not fully within their control, so from a PR standpoint, they've got to emphasize what IS within their control -- which is the current guys on the roster.

The most interesting takeaways in that article, to me, are the Chalmers/Jack references and the "some interest" in Ibaka confirmation.

 

^ Pretty much what @The Cat said.

 

Every single big man we play against has a career high against us. If we end up against the jazz in the playoffs and gobert does to Clint what boozer did to Yao and we lose I will be very pissed off.

 

Basically just an article anybody on the internet could've written based off of twitter feeds, forums and other trash (ESPN) writers' articles earlier this year.

 

Jazz or Grizzlies. I am worried about them. Nene can only do so much in terms of being a physical presence in the paint. Rockets could use more of that.

 

Just building leverage for trades.

 

Referring to all his teammates as interchangeable role players, yet none of them by name. Same sentiment as the infamous quote about him and Howard and a box full of role players.

whooops

 

Translation:

Top

- I have an Owner in Le$ who has already told me my jersey will be retired and has informed me that I am the final say in all basketball decisions.
- I have a GM in Maury who I hold by the balls. I have him by the cojones and he will do whatever is requested by me. I am the real GM.
- I have an athletic trainer in greasy Keith Jones who will get my steaks and burgers well cooked and on time.

Bottom

- I have my personal towel waiver, cheer leader and body guard in Bobby Brown who will do whatever it takes.
- I also have Tyler Anus and Corey Brewer, my boys to hit up Treasures and TMC with.

 

What is in Harden's control is mentioning his teammates by name and their individual, unique contributions ... vs lumping them altogether like a box of mix and match crayons.

Plus, if we want to get into a game of over-thinking PR spin, isn't it better for trades to talk up your hand by name.

 

@heypartner Harden could either name all 14 of the other players by name or else just use the collective. I think looking at that as the negative is being a bit harsh.

 

smokescreen

 

James Harden is a terrible General Manager.

 

I don't see the Rockets making any major deal that would drastically reshape the roster. Harden, Capela(based on his cheap contract alone), Gordon, Ariza, Bev, Nene, and Dekker(again based on his cheap contract) aren't going anywhere. Anderson I'm certain would be dealt for the right player(s). Harrell is probably available. And I'm sure Morey would love to dump Brewer's contract.

But when you've consistently got the 3rd or 4th best record in the league and are about to enter a relatively soft stretch of the schedule where you can solidify your positioning in the standings, you don't screw with that. Not unless one helluva good player can be had for a reasonable price.

 

It doesn't upset me, like it did a lot of people when he said a similar thing about him and Howard.

You remember the 66-page,
Harden: "Dwight and I are the cornerstones of the Rockets. The rest of the guys are role players..."

But it isn't either mention all 14 or not, like you say. Surely, MDA wouldn't say, I like this team of Harden and our role players, without mentioning some of the players by name. I'm sure it's just a slip. As he's made mention of the importance of his teammates by name a lot this year. Let's hope it doesn't become a big media bashing of Harden, like it did in 2014.

 

The Rockets have enough assets and pieces to make a deal without completely reworking the current rotation. They could use another playmaking and/or shooting guard and another defensive big. And there are guys out there Morey could get that wouldn't break the bank or require the Rockets to deal away a core piece.

 

It's a post-practice interview he's trying to get done with in 2-3 minutes, not the State of the Union address.

I think he'll probably do a more extended interview over the break.

 

Spoiler

Rockets trade Tyler Ennis for the rights to Sergei Lishouk's brother.

Sergei Lishouk's brother is someone we've liked for a long time. We're glad we were able to finally bring him over. We really like him & think he can help us as we make a push for home court in the playoffs. I think Mike can and will find a way to use him but we think he can be a great player for us off the bench.

We thought we had some other [bigger] deals lined up but obviously that didn't happen. I like our roster. I think we have a good roster that's gonna make a push here for home court. We want home court. That was our goal coming into the season, that's still our goal. I think we can do it. Obviously we're not the favorites in the West - Golden State & San Antonio obviously - but we like our chances in the first round. Coach of the Year Mike D'Antoni & the no doubt MVP in my mind James Harden, we like our chances. Now we still have to go out & play but we feel good about our chances.

 

That boy crazy! IF HE KNOW WHAT WE GOT, THEN HE ALSO KNOW WE GOING TO EXIT THE PLAYOFFS EARLY WITH NO INTERIOR DEFENSE! He crazy! Don't stand pat!

 

Nope, I am sorry Harden he said that last year and it turned out to be a disaster. When the Lawson and Harden was clearly not working he was an advocate of trying to be patient and give it more time. I truly believe we are one more wing/guard and defensive big guy to contend in the playoffs.