Harden and Ariza got into a fight after game 5, hence Harden's game 6 performance.

depends on who is replacing him because he's a huge reason the rockets can play the way they do and be the only player that is versatile enough defensively to guard a perimeter or bigger player

 

Agree, what is the upgrade over Ariza? We are not changing a SF from a Top5 team just because

 

I didn't even think of the ramifications of this earlier, but you guys realize that Ariza getting into an altercation with James basically sabotaged the entire season? Sure, Harden shouldn't be responding to a fight by quitting on the team, but Ariza is better off to "know your role and shut your mouth". Besides, Ariza scored 9 points on 10 shots in that critical Game 5 and had the worst +/-. Thanks dude.

Yeah, Trevor should go. That **** can't happen again.

 

I don't think harden and Ariza have bad blood since they've been so close during the past couple of seasons. Players tribune article that he wrote about James.... having a hard time believing this.

 

Those two are friends. You can fight with your friends. The team was exhausted. Everyone was to blame for game 5, MDA most of all. Harden got frustrated, went too far cause he was as much to blame as anyone, and knew he lost the team.

Chemistry means so much more in basketball than other sports. Especially when you have one player who is transcendent as Harden is when he is in sync with his team.

In short, they were tired, things were said, the chemistry was lost, and the rest is history.

They'll be back and maybe next year MDA will extend his bench when someone gets hurt.

 

Could we just do Gordon and Aliza plus a pick for Paul george. Gordon is a cheap contract long term and went to college there and he with Ariza could keep them afloat in the eastern playoff race. Wonder if money would take a risk.