Houston Rockets fans have their say: Is Harden To Blame?

May 25, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks to drive as Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) defends during the first quarter in game four of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs. at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks to drive as Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) defends during the first quarter in game four of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs. at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

In recent weeks Houston Rockets fans visited Space City Scoop offering insight and sharing their passion. The Editor was so impressed by their opinions, it was decided those entries should be featured for the wider audience to enjoy.  Following up from the last segment fans answered whether James Harden is the main problem.

In an effort to share those thoughts with the loyal Space City Scoop readers the best of your offerings have been compiled and will be featured for all to enjoy. And hey if any of you would like to bring your talents to the site on a regular basis, we’d love to add you to the team!

To that end, the next segment in this series looked at your thoughts regarding whether James Harden is the main problem.

Is James Harden Behind the Rockets Demise?

In response to Coty Davis’ article asking: Is it fair to blame James Harden for Houston Rockets Struggles. Fans felt strongly about this question offering the following:

Migs Abe offered:

Yes. give Harden a break. Harden is distributing the ball and at the same time scoring. He is so valuable to the team to get fouled out so the coach and Harden’s teammates should help Harden on the defensive side. Take note that Harden leads the NBA in minutes played. It’s very hard to stay in the game for that long if you will distribute the ball, score and at the same time put a good defense.

Besides, Harden is among the leaders in steals as well. Isn’t that defense too? The teammates should always provide help defense to Harden and unfortunately, the help defense is poor. Look at the overall stats of Harden?

As mentioned in the report, Harden became the third player in NBA history to average at least 29.0 points, 7.5 assists, and 6.1 rebounds in a single season. How many in the NBA has those stats and is still a good defender? I think there is a bigger problem in Houston and I think it is a management issue.

There seems to be lack of consistency and lack of intensity on the part of the players and management should be able to resolve that. Lack of passion and lack of motivation is almost always a sign of Top Management issues.

More from Space City Scoop

Rockets issue is so deep that even with Shaq in his prime is leading this team, the Rockets still would not be a championship contender. Rockets should make the move as soon as possible. The GM should go! Hire a veteran and proven coach that can inspire, discipline and lead the team!

A coach with the caliber of Phil Jackson or Pat Riley or Gregg Popovich! Make few changes in the team. Hire another superstar as history tells us that to be an NBA championship contender, a team should have at least 2 superstars.

Right now, Harden is the only superstar and the most he can do is to bring the Rockets to an NBA conference finals and that is quite an achievement already! Harden, Beverly and Ariza should remain in the team. The rest, Top management together with the new coach should assess based on the kind of team they want the Rockets to be in the next season.

And Ultimate187 succinctly said:

Houston will never win a championship with Harden as a starter, because it will always be 4 v 5 on defense.

Suffice to say this small sample sees Harden’s iso ball and unwillingness to play any other style of offense a deterrent to winning.

Make sure you check out the current Space City Scoop series including our year end player analysis, draft prospects worthy of Rockets picking or trading for and our end of season Rockets Round Table:

Next: Houston Rockets SCS Roundtable Part 1

Next: Houston Rockets SCS Roundtable Part 2

Next: Houston Rockets SCS Roundtable Part 3

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