[MopgrassParticipant]

It looks like Daryl Morey whiffed pretty big, but you have to appreciate the guts. But how much damage is actually done?

The replacements:

The Rockets lost Lin (29 minutes), Parsons (38 minutes), and Asik (20 minutes). Lin is replaceable. Isaiah Canaan might not contribute like Lin, but will down the road… or maybe Harden plays more PG. Tevor Ariza, surprisingly, played about as well as Parsons… statistically… well, on offense. Montejunas and Clint Capella will have to step in for Asik, who averaged 8 rebounds in 20 minutes (wow). That’ll be hard to match, but we’re only talking 20 minutes.

They did add Nick Johnson and Troy Danielx shot really well in 9 games. But how far does this drop the Rockets, if at all?

I’d like to get a realistic look at what draft pick they’re giving the Lakers next year. The Rockets had the 6th best record last year. What about 2015? 6th again? I feel like 11th is pretty realistic.

Thoughts?

[IhateusernamesParticipant]

They need defense badly. Ariza will help Hardens lazy ass on D, in addition to sticking 3 pointers. I actually think the Parsons Ariza swap will improve them.

[IhateusernamesParticipant]

They need defense badly. Ariza will help Hardens lazy ass on D, in addition to sticking 3 pointers. I actually think the Parsons Ariza swap will improve them.

[nick5354Participant]

I still can’t believe he called his entire team other then D12 role players, given it is probably true but you don’t say it! I am really starting to dislike Harden.

[nick5354Participant]

I still can’t believe he called his entire team other then D12 role players, given it is probably true but you don’t say it! I am really starting to dislike Harden.

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

Harden is quickly becoming one of my least favorite players.

I like players who put forth effort on both sides of the court, but as good as Harden is offensively, he might be that bad defensively.

It always seems to me like he is after his own statistics, not necessarily the team’s best. I have no proof for that, but just watching the way he plays, he seems like he makes plays that are best for himself. 

The way he treated Jeremy Lin last year was ridiculous. He would refuse to help Lin up and step right around him after Lin fell to the ground.

In Harden’s defense, this ‘role player’ thing is a bit overhyped. Parsons has some potential to take another step forward in his game. Still, as a leader, Harden should work to elevate other players. 

Harden’s personality seems a little bit difficult to be around. He seems a little bit like a lazy Kobe, a player who stubbornly refuses to adjust his game, but demands other players adjust to him. The problem is, Kobe is a great competitor. Harden seems too passive, and sometimes downright lazy. 

 

 

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

Harden is quickly becoming one of my least favorite players.

I like players who put forth effort on both sides of the court, but as good as Harden is offensively, he might be that bad defensively.

It always seems to me like he is after his own statistics, not necessarily the team’s best. I have no proof for that, but just watching the way he plays, he seems like he makes plays that are best for himself. 

The way he treated Jeremy Lin last year was ridiculous. He would refuse to help Lin up and step right around him after Lin fell to the ground.

In Harden’s defense, this ‘role player’ thing is a bit overhyped. Parsons has some potential to take another step forward in his game. Still, as a leader, Harden should work to elevate other players. 

Harden’s personality seems a little bit difficult to be around. He seems a little bit like a lazy Kobe, a player who stubbornly refuses to adjust his game, but demands other players adjust to him. The problem is, Kobe is a great competitor. Harden seems too passive, and sometimes downright lazy. 

 

 

[phila9012Participant]

 I think players are going to start realizing they dont want to play with the rockets. It doesn’t seem like Harden would be that fun to play with and I don’t think many players are lining up to play with Howard. Also their GM keeps talking about assets and value. Morey doesn’t realize that chemistry, player personalities and coaches matter, McHale is an average coach at best and problably should be let go. Part of the reason the spurs and heat are so good is because their players have such good chemistry and they love playing with each other and their management isn’t always looking to trade half their team. I used to kind of like how Morey did things, now it just feels like he cares so much about numbers and could care less about the players he has.

[phila9012Participant]

 I think players are going to start realizing they dont want to play with the rockets. It doesn’t seem like Harden would be that fun to play with and I don’t think many players are lining up to play with Howard. Also their GM keeps talking about assets and value. Morey doesn’t realize that chemistry, player personalities and coaches matter, McHale is an average coach at best and problably should be let go. Part of the reason the spurs and heat are so good is because their players have such good chemistry and they love playing with each other and their management isn’t always looking to trade half their team. I used to kind of like how Morey did things, now it just feels like he cares so much about numbers and could care less about the players he has.

[WarblingSpamalopeParticipant]

 I do admire gms that go for it when they feel they are close, but morey lost big on his gamble. No one is scared of the rockets. Their stars have too many fatal flaws. Harden seems pretty content getting paid and playing offense only. Howards mental toughness, offensive moves and free throw shooting prevent him from being on the floor in the 4th quarter. 

You can look for their offensive firepower to put them in the running for the 4th seed and maybe they can get out of round one. It would take some uncharacteristic growth to change their fate

[WarblingSpamalopeParticipant]

 I do admire gms that go for it when they feel they are close, but morey lost big on his gamble. No one is scared of the rockets. Their stars have too many fatal flaws. Harden seems pretty content getting paid and playing offense only. Howards mental toughness, offensive moves and free throw shooting prevent him from being on the floor in the 4th quarter. 

You can look for their offensive firepower to put them in the running for the 4th seed and maybe they can get out of round one. It would take some uncharacteristic growth to change their fate

[220Participant]

 Does anyone know if there was some bad blood between James Harden and Dwight Howard towards Chandler Parsons? The comments are unreal towards a guy who was their teams third best player. Even the Cavs players didn’t have such bad things to say when Lebron left them to head to Miami.

 I used to like Harden and Howard, but I’m honestly not a fan of either one at this point. Dwight’s waffling/talking bad about his teammates drove me crazy and Harden’s defensive effort did the same. Since Harden basically disrespected nearly all his teammates he’s not a guy I want to be a fan of anymore.

[220Participant]

 Does anyone know if there was some bad blood between James Harden and Dwight Howard towards Chandler Parsons? The comments are unreal towards a guy who was their teams third best player. Even the Cavs players didn’t have such bad things to say when Lebron left them to head to Miami.

 I used to like Harden and Howard, but I’m honestly not a fan of either one at this point. Dwight’s waffling/talking bad about his teammates drove me crazy and Harden’s defensive effort did the same. Since Harden basically disrespected nearly all his teammates he’s not a guy I want to be a fan of anymore.

[joecheck88Participant]

 They’ll probably be basically the same team. They lost guys but they’re easily replaceable when you’re talking about Lin and Asik. Asik was good but didn’t play much of the year and played in short spells(was very good in those spells tho). Lin wasn’t a great shooter and never really found his niche in Houston. Canaan could easily replace his production. 

Losing Parsons hurt but with Ariza there it’s a slight upgrade for the time being. They’ll be a 50+ won team but will struggle to advance in the playoffs. They swung and missed and now they’re stuck in mediocrity for a few years unless someone develops or they can swing a big trade. 

[joecheck88Participant]

 They’ll probably be basically the same team. They lost guys but they’re easily replaceable when you’re talking about Lin and Asik. Asik was good but didn’t play much of the year and played in short spells(was very good in those spells tho). Lin wasn’t a great shooter and never really found his niche in Houston. Canaan could easily replace his production. 

Losing Parsons hurt but with Ariza there it’s a slight upgrade for the time being. They’ll be a 50+ won team but will struggle to advance in the playoffs. They swung and missed and now they’re stuck in mediocrity for a few years unless someone develops or they can swing a big trade. 

[TRC1991Participant]

I think it’s pretty laughable that Daryl Morey believes a team centered around self-absorbed NBA "superstars" James Harden and Dwight Howard can win a title.

They’ll be the 7 seed. 

 

 

[TRC1991Participant]

I think it’s pretty laughable that Daryl Morey believes a team centered around self-absorbed NBA "superstars" James Harden and Dwight Howard can win a title.

They’ll be the 7 seed. 

 

 

[TyroberParticipant]

 The Rockets have had a pretty horrible offseason up to this point. I am not sure why Harden feels the need to call everyone role players… Even thought that’s what they are you shouldn’t go around saying things like that. If the Rockets are going to get better it is going to start with Hardens defense and since he considers himself a super star I don’t see him starting to pick it up on that end of the court anytime soon.

[TyroberParticipant]

 The Rockets have had a pretty horrible offseason up to this point. I am not sure why Harden feels the need to call everyone role players… Even thought that’s what they are you shouldn’t go around saying things like that. If the Rockets are going to get better it is going to start with Hardens defense and since he considers himself a super star I don’t see him starting to pick it up on that end of the court anytime soon.

[marcusfizer21Participant]

I don’t like their choice of words… Pretty disrespectful on their part.. That’s why that Damian Lillard buzzer sounds more justifiable now than ever..haha

[marcusfizer21Participant]

I don’t like their choice of words… Pretty disrespectful on their part.. That’s why that Damian Lillard buzzer sounds more justifiable now than ever..haha

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