The Houston Rockets have been in trouble since the NBA season started. For starters, James Harden had been reportedly distracted due to his rumored romance with Keeping Up With The Kardashians star Khloe Kardashian. The there is the matter of Ty Lawson failing to fit into the plays and taking too much time resolving his off-court issues. Amid all these, the Houston Rockets also lost their head coach following an abysmal management of the players this NBA season.
Hence, it comes as no surprise that the Houston Rockets are at the ninth spot in the Western Conference. With the way Harden and his fans bashed the Golden State Warriors and Stephen Curry prior to the season, it looks like the reigning NBA Champions will have the last laugh this year. However, all might not be lost for the Houston Rockets just yet.
Sources have disclosed that the two main stars of the NBA team, Dwight Howard and Harden, finally got together to figure out a way to claw their way back to the top of the Western Conference. Although accomplishing such feat would require them to battle the likes of the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder, both Houston Rockets stars are confident that they can succeed.
This development serves as a positive sign since earlier reports disclosed an ongoing rift between Harden and Howard. In fact, the center has been involved in some NBA trade rumors since he entered the team. Reports claim that his inability to mesh with Harden has made it difficult for the Houston Rockets to integrate him in the plays. Moreover, The Beard reportedly has no respect for Howard.
"I don't know what the perception is; the reality is we get along and we want to win," clarified Harden of his relationship with Howard via ESPN. He continued to say, "It's important for us. It's a great opportunity for us to turn this season around, and we're going to do it and it's going to get done."
As for Howard, he supports Harden in his statement. The former Los Angeles Lakers star shared that he and Harden are focused on the goal this NBA season - that is, to win. He said, "People are always going to say what they want to say. But there's no need for me and him to worry about that. Our job is to grow and get better as a team and get better as individuals."
Howard added, "It doesn't matter what people say, I'm always going to have his back and I'm sure he's going to have my back. People are always going to talk, but the biggest thing, which is always true, with every team you have to put your ego and pride to the side and do what's best for the team."
The change in Howard has been evident. This was also confirmed by JB Bickerstaff. The Houston Rockets interim head coach shared that the center is now more aware of the significance of his influence on the team. Bickerstaff also added that Howard feels the need to prove his worth to himself and his teammates.
He shared via the Houston Chronicle, "Now, with the conversations we've had, I think he's in a great place. He's on a mission. I think there's a purpose where he's at; it's going to impactful. He feels kind of slighted. People have kind of forgotten about him and all the things he's done. He's out to prove something. That combined with his spirit being up, I think we'll see a big impact."
