The James Harden saga with the Houston Rockets filled the headlines prior to the start of the 2020-2021 season. Two weeks into regular-season action, trade rumors and speculations have dwindled down and it looks like Harden himself is slowly buying into the team's new system under head coach Stephen Silas.
Houston remains optimistic that the 2018 NBA MVP is willing to have one more run with the Rockets by sticking through the remainder of the season.
Via Kevin O' Connor of The Ringer:
“Though James Harden captured the entire league’s focus after demanding a trade, league sources question general manager Rafael Stone’s willingness to deal him this season.”
“Front office executives around the NBA say Houston is growing more confident that Harden will be content sticking around at least through the rest of the season.”
The Rockets didn't have the best of starts to their campaign but they have shown flashes of their potential. John Wall has managed to stay relatively healthy and is averaging 20.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in six games played.
DeMarcus Cousins is also putting up valiant efforts in the paint while Christian Wood has emerged as a rising star in the league. Harden is still his usual self despite being in an unideal situation with norms of 26.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 11.0 assists through seven appearances.
Despite the promise that they have shown in recent games, the Rockets have yet to gain the consistency that they need to be tagged as contenders once again. It showed on their performance on Sunday night when they stumbled upon the dominant Los Angeles Lakers who dealt them with a 120-102 defeat.
Through eight games, the Rockets currently hold a 3-5 record to nab the 13th spot in the Western Conference. The season is still young and the Rockets may need more time to build their chemistry but there is a glimmer of hope that both sides are willing to give it one more shot this season.
Follow Us
Subscribe