If you’re a sports fan and you have the internet, you probably saw a picture of James Harden on Tuesday night. The picture was pretty unflattering. Was it a bad angle, or does James Harden just not care anymore?
Whatever it is, he has made his displeasure pretty well known throughout a tumultuous offseason.
Houston, we have a problem
Ok that may have been the corniest sub-heading I’ve ever written, but it’s appropriate. Over the brief break in the NBA season, Harden requested a trade to the Brooklyn Nets. He has also expressed interest in going to the 76ers, or even the Bucks. Despite the Rockets bringing John Wall on board, he still has no interest in staying in Houston. He even turned down a two-year, $103 million extension (in addition to his current $132.9 million over three years remaining on his current contract).
If $50 million dollars a year can’t keep him in Houston, can anything?
During the offseason, Harden was not spending any time in Houston with his teammates preparing for the upcoming season. Instead, he was in Atlanta and Las Vegas for what he said was “training.” If by training he means partying, then absolutely. This is the attitude of a guy who has no interest in trying anymore with his current team. It’s the same as when you’ve put in your two weeks with your company. You’re going to do the bare minimum, then get out the door. That’s what he’s doing. He showed up to the game Tuesday night and scored 12 points in 21 minutes then ended with a bizarre interview.
One foot out the door
Harden’s ready to go to a contender, and I don’t blame him. For as dominant as the Rockets have been since he’s been there, they just can’t take it all the way. He wants to form a super team with one of the above teams, and no matter where he goes, it’ll be more fun than the Rockets.
Personally, I would love to see him go to Brooklyn, reunite with Kevin Durant and play with Kyrie. Also, I think it’s time New York was able to get excited about basketball again. There hasn’t been any excitement for a NY team since Linsanity back in 2012 – seems like a century ago.
Whatever happens with Harden in these next few weeks, just know he desperately wants to get out of Houston. And it’s probably time.
