Houston Rockets Daily Rocket Science: The Harden Situation is Hairy

Even after an overtime, comeback win – the most toxic of situations can still find a way to float sludge to the top of the news surface.

Now that Kevin McHale is gone, it’s time for us as the media and fans at large to find the next source of the Houston Rockets problems. Who will become the next scapegoat for the ills that haunt this organization? Dwight Howard? Daryl Morey?

Nope, it appears to be the superstar himself – James Harden. The stories are now starting to surface that The Beard himself is to blame for everything, and there are some juicy readings to prove it below.

I’m not going to dive in too hard on whatever is going on with Harden. I will say that all we can judge is what is on the court, and there’s a game tonight against an equally struggling team in the Memphis Grizzlies. It has all the smells of a loser-leaves-town match, so strange for two legit title contenders a season ago.

While keeping your finger on the pulse of what’s happening tonight, read into the turmoil of the Rockets organization and keep some tissues handy.

Houston Rockets news and notes from around the web

Sigh… we’re back around to this again. Try to recall what was going on with Ty Lawson before he came south to Houston: trade rumors, problems with teammates and drinking problems. The DUI that broke the camels back in Denver has now resurfaced as Lawson could face up to 180 days in jail for this offense. I’m sure the Rockets will give him the best lawyers money can buy, but it can’t do any favors to his mental makeup on game day.

Houston Rockets’ Ty Lawson pleads guilty to charges stemming from drunken driving arrest [Associated Press via the Toronto Sun]

"Court records show the former Denver Nuggets guard was charged with drunken driving, speeding and other offences last January, but pleaded guilty Thursday to driving while ability impaired and a lane violation. He faces up to 180 days in jail when he is sentenced Jan. 14."

Double sigh… this guy again. Houston leads the league in being plagued by dumb celebrities – and the only debate there is whether Khloe Kardashian or Lil’ B is dumber. Today, we focus on the terrible rapper – who claims his curse caused the firing of Kevin McHale. Lil’ B is the worst kind of person – the kind of person who thinks he can control everything in his life and luck doesn’t exist. Please, go away BasedGod.

Lil B Says James Harden’s BasedGod Curse Caused Houston Rockets To Fire Kevin McHale [Hip Hop Wired – Cecil Lennox]

"In just 11 games into the 2015-2016 regular season, the Houston Rockets have decided to give their four-year coach, NBA legend Kevin McHale his walking papers. Such a drastic personnel change could be attributed to a number of factors such as their terrible 5-7 start, Harden’s unfocused play or even a move that was inevitable since last year’s Western Conference Finals meltdown but let Lil B tell it, it was the due to the Basedgod Curse he placed on James Harden several months ago."

There are many names people throw around for the Rockets head coach. Tom Thibodeau, Jeff Van Gundy, Scott Brooks and even J.B. Bickerstaff all come to mind, but this piece focuses on someone who is already employed. Steve Clifford has been toiling in Charlotte for the past few seasons with a sub par roster and a nut job front office, so perhaps a change of scenery is what he needs to show his true potential.

Steve Clifford To Houston Rockets? You’ll Miss Him When He’s Gone… [Hoops Habit – Jon Shames]

"But a lot has changed since last season, and Clifford’s response to the criticism, or, really, the lack of success, makes him indispensable for the Hornets now. Barring yet another missed playoff berth, the Charlotte Hornets should plan on keeping the now-dynamic Clifford around."

Finally we come full circle to what we talked about in the intro: James Harden is the problem child. I don’t necessarily think that, but a lot of people do – even other players on the Rockets. The actual USA Today piece goes into much more detail, but since it’s Friday and who just want to get out of here, this is a nice cliff notes version of the situation with Harden and Houston.

NBA Rumors: Rockets Teammates Not Too Happy With James Harden [Sir Charles in Charge – Michael Saenz]

"Harden’s defensive effort has always been questioned. His offense, however, often more than compensated for his poor effort on the other side of the ball. This season, though, his offense simply hasn’t been what its been in the past."

This may be cheating to get a fourth story in here, but it was announced Donatas Motiejunas won’t be back until December. The details are in the tweet:

Bickerstaff: Motiejunas Will Return “Sometime in December” https://t.co/WaNEdSdsOzpic.twitter.com/KakQayNoeE

— The Dream Shake (@DreamShakeSBN) November 19, 2015

Next: Houston Rockets: History Lesson

Go on! Get through this treacherous work day so you can meet up with your buddies at the bar and drink yourself numb to watch the Rockets play the Grizzlies tonight. As for the entertainment value, things get better Saturday when the Rockets play the New York Knicks and the Zinger. Try to enjoy the weekend folks.