Can James Harden and Dwight Howard Really Co-Exist for rest of the season?
For the rest of the season, Houston Rockets stars James Harden and Dwight Howard will need to find a way to play together and pray that their effort in doing so is enough to catapult them into the postseason wars.
Just last week, Howard was someone that many believed would be moving. The Rockets were dangling the 6-foot-11 center to interested teams, a move that was sparked by Howard’s impending plans when the season ends.
Though he has a player option remaining, Howard made it clear that he will be opting out and seeking a better deal. However, it does not follow that he wants out of Houston.
"I'm not privy to what the Rockets are doing or not doing with respect to Dwight Howard. What I can say, with 100 percent certainty, is that Dwight has not and has never asked the Rockets for a trade. And neither have I," said Howard’s agent Dan Fegan.
Aside from the fact that he would be seeking more money on a new contract, there is another issue that needs to be resolved. This has something to do with Howard’s working relationship with main star James Harden.
Based on a report which cropped up recently, the two haven’t exactly seen eye-to-eye. It dates back to the time the Rockets were eliminated by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2014 NBA playoffs.
After that loss, it was revealed that Howard and Harden were trying to get the other traded. Though all that may have stemmed from frustration, it seems that such has been hurting the team as a whole.
Harden has been hit for hogging the ball while Howard has been hit by his less-than-stellar play. Mix all of that with the rest of the team and such forms a recipe for disaster.
That best typifies the struggles that the Rockets find themselves in right now -- a disappointing season which has shown in the team standings.
Right now, the Rockets are toting a 28-29 win-loss record though they are still within striking distance to make it to the magic 8. They are half a game behind the Utah Jazz and come up with a winning streak to catch up with the Blazers and the Dallas Mavericks.
To do that, Harden and Howard need to get on the same page and try to make it all work for at least a couple of more months.
With about 25 games to go before the regular season ends, both need to set their differences aside and then consider their options after this season.
Of the two, however, it is likely looming that Howard will be taking his bags elsewhere.
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