Report: Russell Westbrook 'appalled' by Rockets team culture, which revolves around James Harden

So on the one hand, for Harden's entire career here he has eventually clashed with whatever superstar was brought in to support him. Dwight, CP3, Westbrook, etc. We knew he was involved in the pursuit of all of these players at the time so it really isn't a secret that he's been involved in t he decision making process all along. All of this makes these reports that Harden has created a toxic culture somewhat believable. At some point you can't ignore the common denominator.

On the other hand, as recently as last year Austin Rivers re-signed on the cheap because he said he had never had so much fun playing as he had with this team and in this organization. How did it go from the best place to play to a toxic culture in a single season? The only thing that actually changed was Russell Westbrook. Who, I might add, was notorious for dominating the whole organization in OKC. It feels a little like the kettle calling the pot black.

So really I'm a little confused.

 

When did Westbrook point the finger at his friend?

The bolded part can especially be attributed to Westbrook and CP3 and many more players in the NBA besides Harden.

 

Confused? You shouldn’t be. Everything was fine and it was the best place to play until 6/23/20.

 

Allow of this

Rocket River

 

Yep

Rocket River

 

Not the same at all that culture was one of being on time to meetings and practices.


DD

 

Typical management

Employee: i am the #1 producer. I am responsible got 75% of the company's success.
Management: But you are not on time.


Rocket River

 

That depends upon the goals RR - if the goal is to be successful in the regular season and fool fans into thinking you have a real shot, then sure, keep on trucking.

However, if the success is that ring, or being there and contending, then yeah, sometimes you let prima donnas go, because it is better for the health of the entire organization.

DD

 

such a great culture that all these guys left him

1.KD
2.PG13
3.Oladipo
4.Sabonis
5.Ibaka
6.Jackson

 

Management: So now you give us no choice but to let you go because you cant follow rules.
Employee: Cool
Management: Ok
Employee: bye

2 months later during 1Q P&L meetings

Management: "what the hell is going on people we are hemorrhaging money and layoffs are looming"

Employees in unison: "uhhh sirr you fired James and he brought in 75% of all profits through sales, marketing, networking and contacts"
Management: Oh
Employees: What are we going to do we're scared!
Management: <jumps out of window>

 

no I'm talking about the same Houston culture which traded for him

 

Management: Basketball is a team game. You think your teammates are losers.

 

Where is the great all mighty leader mao to lead a great cultural revolution

 

So they’re above rules?

 

Its kinda like that story that Jimmie Johnson would tell about making a "cultural" statement when asked why he cut some 3rd string guy for falling asleep in a meeting Jimmy said something to the effect that he needed to make sure everybody was held accountable.

The reporter then asked Jimmy if that had been Troy Aikman what would have he done and Jimmy responded something like "well I would have nudged him softly and brought him some coffee" something like that not verbatim obviously.

there are levels to this thing my guy you know this - while it may make the marginal players and average fans upset, its been happening since the dawn of sports and will forever occur as long as star players drive the profitability of the product on the court/field.

 

And I’ve said all along that they can get preferential treatment and star treatment. That’s not the same thing as being above the rules.
Being a good teammate (meetings, on time, not making people wait for you, leading by example) are important traits too.

 

HARDEN IS SO BAD FOR THE TEAM.

Morey. Quits.

MDA. Quits.

Morey - begging to trade FOR Harden.

MDA - begging to trade FOR Harden.

Hmm......

OKAY!

We don't need multiple threads for the PR hit piece.

 

its the proverbial practice hero vs gamer argument then. some coaches want those guys who are early to practice, work really hard (even if they arent really that good anyway) stay late, come in whenever they ask.

then you have the gamers. guys who skip practice cuz they have a little boo boo, or they are tired that day. they will goof off and joke around while everyone is busting their butt. guys will get a little irate, and when the game comes around those dudes end up winning the games and cashing checks.

nature of the beast. is it what is societally expected/correct? No. It is the real world though. Yep.

Apart from Harden and his personal time how is he not a good teammate? Takes more than being on time for film study to be labled a cancer dont you think? Veteran athletes missing preseason or practice is a pretty common theme.

 

As a coach, I can’t stand when an athlete puts hisself or herself above the team. The best will always have some wiggle room but are not above the team.
You have several former players insinuating there were issues for star players. They have been around other star players so there might be something to it.

Harden is my second favorite rocket, and if you ever see my office that would be saying something. I’ve always thought him to be a hard worker (he is) but to make your teammates wait on you or schedule time away from their families after road trips (if true) that is not ok with me.
I will take all of that with a grain of salt, even if true. Just because it’s the nature of the time we’re in with him wanting to leave.

 

What is most important?
Rules adherence
Or
Success

Rocket River