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Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press
The Houston Rockets’ tumultuous offseason saw the departures of basketball operations president Daryl Morey and head coach Mike D’Antoni, but The Athletic’s Kelly Iko, Sam Amick and Shams Charania have learned he there were problems behind the scenes of the team. during the 2019-20 campaign.
Of note, reported liability issues as well as various concerns from shooting guard Eric Gordon, forward / center PJ Tucker, guard Austin Rivers have become commonplace during the season.
On the accountability front, Athletic relayed a players reunion in January where Westbrook told teammates what each needed to do better in the future in a losing streak after a loss against the Portland Trail Blazers. Star goaltender James Harden apparently didn’t like the conversation.
“Much of the angst, however, stems from a lack of accountability, sources said. During the January locker room meeting after a home loss to Portland, Westbrook, who was leading the meeting, did going around the room to indicate what was wrong and what each player needed to do to correct the losing streak, starting with himself, sources said. As for Harden, however, he didn’t was not as receptive to criticism as other teammates, sources said. “
The Athletic also reported that “former teammates have described the culture in Houston as problematic, sources said, pointing to a situation that responds way too much to its stars.”
As for Gordon and Rivers, the two seemed unhappy with their role on the team. According to sources from The Athletic, Gordon “was not satisfied with the decline in his role and importance since the 2016-17 season.”
Regarding Rivers, the Athletic reported the following:
“At times Rivers was unhappy with his inconsistent playing time and usage, sources said. In one instance, Rivers launched a swearing tirade after a game where D’Antoni called for his replacement, only to change. notice and insert a new DeMarre Carroll signing. In another instance, Rivers was barked by Harden after the former MVP missed a free kick and blamed Rivers – who was standing near the bench – for distracting him . “
As for Tucker, the big little ball man “has been furious with his contract situation throughout the season” and believes he deserves a raise after seeing other threesomes and Ds get rich in the league. . He also reportedly “felt insulted” that Houston delayed extension negotiations and only guaranteed his 2020-2021 salary when the February 6, 2020 trade deadline has passed.
The Rockets had high hopes at the start of the 2019-20 season after acquiring Westbrook from the Oklahoma City Thunder, but only finished fourth in the Western Conference regular season standings. They barely escaped those same Thunder in the first round of the NBA Playoffs before losing in five games to eventual NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers.
It looks like everything is falling apart now, with the Athletic reporting that Westbrook wants a trade. Former NBA great man and ESPN analyst Kendrick perkins also reported that Harden had not returned calls for the Rockets Brass lately because he was unhappy that he had not been included in the decision-making process.
Furthermore, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported that Westbrook and Harden were concerned about the Rockets’ future direction following front office and coaching turnover.
Ultimately, we’ll soon find out how the Rockets let this offseason play out, as the regular season is set to start on December 22 with the draft on November 18 and free agency is set to start two days later.
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