The Houston Rockets waved goodbye Wednesday to long-time superstar James Harden.
The former Oklahoma City Thunder sixth man joined the Rockets in 2011 and brought the franchise back to relevance in the NBA. In his 10 years with Houston, Harden accrued an MVP and eight All-Star appearances, including a memorable seven-game Western Conference Finals as the only team to challenge Kevin Durant and the inevitable Golden State Warriors in 2018.
The relationship between Harden and the Rockets had clearly become toxic over the past six months since their loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. The departure of Russell Westbrook, tension with new owner Tilman Fertitta, and a set belief that the organization would simply never provide Harden with what he needed to win a championship ultimately alienated what is the franchise’s second best player ever.
James Harden asked if he’s surprised the #Rockets didn’t make a run: “We’re just not good enough..Chemistry, talent-wise, everything. It’s clear..I love this city I’ve literally done everything that I can..It’s crazy. It’s something that I don’t think can be fixed.” pic.twitter.com/1bbfrytyUj
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) January 13, 2021
The Houston Texans somehow sit in a similar situation with their young superstar. Quarterback Deshaun Watson is the piece the team has been looking for since its 2002 inception.
Watson, a three-time Pro Bowler already at 25, has the chance to do for the Texans what Harden did for the Rockets. However, chairman and CEO Cal McNair’s affinity for pastor/character coach/VP of football operations Jack Easterby threatens to create a Harden like ending for Houston.
The Rockets received a haul for Harden: four first-round draft picks, four draft pick swaps, and an All-Star in Victor Oladipo. It was a fair package for an aging superstar in the NBA. Indicative of a new start and new hope for the Rockets after an ugly breakup. Hopefully new general manager Nick Caserio realizes the similar situation he sits in with one massive caveat.
The Texans will never, ever receive proper compensation for Watson.
His presence is priceless, his character is priceless. Watson’s ability to brilliantly captain the offense and lead the team may not be found even in the acquisition of 10 first-round picks. He represents a quick rebuild, national recognition, and possibly two decades worth of title contention.
If Harden elevated Houston basketball to new heights but could never reach the top, Watson has the opportunity to do even more for Houston pro football. If Harden always fell just short in the big moments, Watson has always elevated his game in those. Finally, if Harden was often criticized for his leadership, Watson has shown he has plenty of that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keYd1CLj_R4
The city of Houston hasn’t seen a quarterback like Watson since Warren Moon, just as the Rockets hadn’t seen an MVP since Hakeem Olajuwon. It would be a colossal, franchise-altering mistake to allow that relationship to deteriorate.
It will ultimately be up to Caserio and McNair to make the decision and have requisite conversation to repair the relationship with their star quarterback.
Hopefully Harden’s exit serves as an ugly reminder of what can happen if communication lines are frayed or closed.