Game Thread GAME# 58: ROCKETS @ BLAZERS - FEBRUARY 25, 2016 - THURSDAY, 7:30 PM (PST), TNT

Harden now, because I think if you put Harden with a great basketball mind of a coach that he would excell. Harden's problems are mental mainly. He can play defense...but he often doesn't care to. He can share the ball...but he often decides it's time for him to win the game.

Howar's problems is his skillset. It was always reliant on athletic ability. Now that's gone he's now just a really good center in the NBA. Personally I wish Harden had a chance to play with Yao who was far more skilled than Howard could ever dream of being. Not that I hate Howard, I mean he is who he is. I'd be down for keeping the guy but Morey is right not to want to give him the Max. Today's NBA you can get away with putting any average big at center and roll with it.

Haha thanks. I'm just looking forward to the Astros season right about now lol. This team and really franchise has a lot of issues. Rockets as a franchise are in a tough spot right now. It's easier to handle as a fan if you just realize it and move on.

From what has been reported by umm...Sam Amick...I don't think it can get much worse than it is. Even Tmac who does come to Rocket games and likely still talks to some of the current players say there is a rift between Harden and Howard...and it's not like a Kobe/Shaq rift where the two guys hated each other for a time it's more that they both realize that they can't play with each other. Like they just respectfully disagree with each other.

If it gets any worse I imagine guys will start fighting.

If anything this organization needed a season like this, well Morey did. By his own words he thinks coaching doesn't matter too much and he's finding out the hard way how important it is to have a strong coach to keep strong personalities in check and keep everyone striving for the same goal.

 

My question for @Superbeard is; you say Harden needs a great basketball mind to coach him but who do you have in mind? What coach would want to go to Houston? They don't have a good track record post-Adleman. Morey has too much power imo.

Also, Harden does not come across as a leader. Your team desperately needs a guy they can look to take them into battle. Neither Harden or Howard are those guys.

 

I really wish T-Rob would have worked out.

 

"James Harden reportedly 'pushed' for Kevin McHale's firing and a Dwight Howard trade."

Man, that locker room can't be fun.

 

This is where we need Chris Kaman's veteran leadership. Even if he doesn't play, he needs to be in these guys' ears reminding them to step on HOU's throat while they are down. HOU is reeling, but they aren't out. We need to deliver a knockout punch tonight. Don't let them win and start thinking they are back in the playoff hunt. Just keep pushing them down the standings until the fold and give up.

BNM

 

I don't think Harden is uncoachable and I don't think the Rockets are going to find problems with getting a good coach if they want to. Coach K for instance had nothing but praise for him.

I don't know who could be it. If it was up to me it would be Messina or Thibs. I know many will not want to believe it but Harden is a pretty selfless player, at times yes he thinks he can take over the game but that is true of every superstar. You don't want a superstar that shies away from taking clutch shots.

Also yes. Morey has too much power. He should stay completely out of coaching decisions, it's on the owner to reel that in. He has to tell Morey to stick to his job...

Any ways, I think it will be a tough game. The Rockets need this one and are usually good when backed into a corner. You guys have a bright future admittedly and with a great FA class here this can really be the start. Don't know the cap situation, Horford going to be a big get for any team, I think he'd fit in well with what the Blazers do.

 

Do you think they will sign Howard in the offseason, and if so, for about how much? $29mil/year? What do you think Morey is going to do?

 

The truth is Harden isn't a starter in this league. He should be the 6th man on the Thunder and he'd have 2-3 rings with more to come.

 

Best ten buck I spent was getting the radio feed on the NBA app

 

Stop with the over the topness. Harden is an amazing player and a top sg in the league

 

Morey must not be an equal opportunity employer...

 

The only way they sign Howard this year is if they sign Durant with him. That's it. Otherwise they will be quick to cut ties with him. He's not worth the max, someone will give it to him but it won't be Morey unless they are trying to sign Durant (and they will) and he sells to Durant. Durant and Harden are REALLY good friends. I mean it is a longshot, but all Rocket fans hear is how Durant and Harden are like brothers. It's what keeps most Rocket fans sane these days.

Morey has enough cap for two max contracts and Harden has two years left...so whatever he does it has to be great. He can't make a misstep here. This offseason will be difference of being a contending team or complete rebuild

 

Someone on clutchfans put me in their sig, I feel honored.

 

Welcome back Superbeard. Was afraid you were ran out of town last time. Please answer any of these that you feel interested in.

1. Do you think the Rockets would be better off without Dwight Howard?

2. In free agency do you target players to play behind Harden and let him be the star, or do you try to find a way to make him more of a role player?

In regards to 2: I'm not sure the Rockets can land the players good enough (Durant) to make Harden the 2nd or 3rd option. I think the Rockets would be better off keeping Howard and building around him, and trading Harden in the off season. This is what I think would be best for your team... Of course what I want to happen is for them to get rid of Howard and keep Harden at the helm.

I saw somebody on Clutchfans the other day who said something about "Rebuilding the way the Blazers have"...You guys do realize that Morey is not Neil Olshey, right?

3. What is your opinion on Morey? Do you think he is part of the problem and needs to go? Or do you think he is a competent GM? What exactly has he done in the past years to give you confidence?

 

Truth.

Or at the very least the 3rd option.

 

Shit man that is amazing!