Before his first season as an NBA head coach began, Stephen Silas' job was made dramatically tougher with the Houston Rockets.
Russell Westbrook and James Harden both demanded trades, Westbrook got traded, and then Harden showed up late to training camp as he spent time partying in Atlanta and Las Vegas. Silas' hire was reportedly one of the reasons behind the 2018 MVP's trade request.
Days before the season opener, Harden — who just earned a $50,000 fine for partying indoors — and three other Rockets players were made unavailable for Wednesday's matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, causing the game to be postponed.
John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Kenyon Martin Jr., Eric Gordon, Chris Clemons, Mason Jones, and Ben McLemore have still not played this season as they adhere to the league's COVID-19 protocols.
While Silas is still seeking his first head coaching win amid the tumultuous times, he may be starting to win over Harden.
After Houston's 124-111 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Monday, Harden complimented Silas:
“He did a great job,” Harden said, via Mark Media of USA Today. “Very confident, knew what he was drawing up and knew where to put his guys at.”
Silas clearly appreciated the All-Star's praise:
“It means a lot when any player says that they like what you do, especially as a new head coach,” he said. “A lot of the things I’m doing are things I believe in and have seen. But until you do that, to get feedback from him and the other guys have been gratifying.”
Silas continued:
“He has been committed since he’s been here,” Silas said. “He’s been great in practice, good to talk to and listening, asking good questions, pulling me to the side and telling me things he sees.”
The Rockets have so far refused to acquiesce to Harden's trade demands with the hopes that the disgruntled superstar would come to enjoy playing for Silas. So far, at least, that scenario seems to be coming to fruition.
The undermanned Rockets are 0-2 on the season, though the play of Harden (39.0 PPG, 12.5 APG) and Christian Wood (27.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG) has been encouraging. When Houston gets back its other key players, perhaps the team can go on a run.
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