National Basketball Association

Houston Rockets Video Diary - Media Day: James Harden

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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James Harden spoke on Media Day regarding his new role as the Houston Rockets leader, his teammates and why this year’s squad is so much more cohesive.

The Elephant in the Room:

As James Harden calmly spoke to the assembled journalists on Media Day one reporter addressed the elephant in the room. Each player who had taken the microphone had spoken of the team chemistry, happiness and desire to be great. So, this reporter wanted to know why this same attitude was missing last season. After all the Rockets were coming off a Western Conference Finals berth with key players out injured. Surely, the taste of getting ever so close to the finals had been enough to motivate and inspire them in the off season, didn’t it?

One pundit (possibly the same reporter) took umbridge with the word “vibe” which Trevor Ariza, and others also used.

Harden like all others before him evading the question citing Kevin McHale’s dismissal (like coach could have forced Harden to come to camp in shape). Though Harden didn’t directly say it the obvious relationship issues between himself and Dwight Howard were hanging in the air.

Don’t get me wrong, Harden is substantially younger than Howard who had played in a Finals when in Orlando. Perhaps that’s why the tension grew between them. It’s possible Harden was looking for Howard to take the leadership role and if not, at least a tutoring role. Neither ever seemed to transpire during Howard’s tenure.

Taking the Leadership Reigns:

Ultimately the steps taken by Harden to coordinate mini training camps in Miami and Vegas so the team could build their chemistry on and off the court need to be applauded. Harden got his wish with the departures of McHale and Howard. But the fact he dove in to do his part after the fact should be recognized. It does seem like the players and coaching staff are elucidating rather obnoxiously, but in comparison to what Howard did during his time in Houston pales in comparison.

2016 Media Day – James Harden https://t.co/huW4bio1Vm via @houstonrockets

— Space City Scoop (@SpaceCity_Scoop) September 29, 2016

Expectations:

Insight on Teammates and Coaching Staff:

The New Era:

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SCS video diary series will offer insight from Media Day, Training Camp as well as bring you tidbits to allow you to become more familiar with new players.

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