In the recent past, Rockets star James Harden has shown his support for the hometown Astros of Major League Baseball (MLB). Now in his eighth season in Houston and adored by many local fans, Harden often uses his platform to promote other professional sports teams in the city.
But in January 2020, Harden and the Rockets (26-14) know they have bigger concerns of their own that need to be resolved.
MLB disciplined the Astros on Monday after its investigators confirmed the existence of an illegal sign-stealing system in 2017 and parts of 2018. The team then fired manager AJ Hinch and GM Jeff Luhnow.
That’s kept the Astros in the headlines for several days, especially in Houston. But with the Rockets having lost three of four games, the former NBA MVP wasn’t in the mood to weigh in on the Astros’ situation when asked about it at Friday’s team practice. His comments:
Honestly, I don’t even know too much detail about that. I’ve got my own individual problems to worry about. We’re not playing so well right now. So, I can’t give you any info.
James Harden doesn't have much of an opinion on the Astros sign-stealing scandal: "I got my own individual problems to worry about." pic.twitter.com/kNmiPB4y0I
— Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) January 17, 2020
Harden is correct in his assessment that the team’s problems also include a dramatic decline in his own individual play.
For the season, Harden entered Saturday averaging 37.2 points per game — the highest of any NBA player in 56 years and the most by a guard ever.
But in two of the three recent losses, Harden has posted then-season-low point totals with 17 and 13. His defense has also noticeably slipped.
Getting to Rockets-Grizzlies from earlier this week.
Man, Harden’s defense was…. well it’s been better this year and in that game it was NOT at that level.
— Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball) January 17, 2020
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Overall, in the four-game downturn, Harden is averaging 25.8 points per game on 34.9% shooting and 31.1% on 3-pointers — well below his overall 2019-20 season percentages of 44.6% and 37.3%, respectively.
Coming off two straight off days, Harden and the rested Rockets will have a chance to turn things around when they return to the court Saturday at home against the Los Angeles Lakers (33-8). Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. Central at Toyota Center, with the game broadcast nationally on ABC.
With Houston reeling from a bad sports week amid the punishment of the Astros and a season-ending loss by the Texans in the NFL’s football playoffs, it could be an ideal opportunity on the national stage for Harden’s Rockets to lift the city’s spirits.
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