The Houston Rockets recently held a players-only meeting to address some issues they had after their 4-7 start to the season. The only resolution they deemed appropriate right now was to let go of head coach Kevin McHale, less than a year into his new extension with the team.
It appears that McHale might not be the only source of the Rockets problems. James Harden might be the source of some issues in Houston.
Following from Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today.
While players tried to keep details of the meeting private, two themes emerged, three people told USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the situation. Harden’s play and aloofness have frustrated teammates, and McHale took the brunt of the blame for the team’s play. Practices were not resulting in improved play in games.
James Harden is averaging his usual 27.3 points per game but he is shooting 37.2% from the field and 26.2% on three-pointers and committing 4.8 turnovers per game, and not to mention Houston is 29th in three-point shooting percentage (29%). Overall, the Rockets are No. 29 in defensive rating, allowing 106.5 points per 100 possessions, and No. 24 in offensive rating, scoring 98.5 points per 100 possessions.
Their problems might not be with Harden or McHale but instead, it might be an entire team issue. The only problem is, can interim head coach J.B. Bickerstaff get this team back to their contending ways?
