3 areas the Rockets will improve without James Harden

1. You guessed it: team chemistry.

The one issue that can’t be disputed no matter what side of the fence you fall on when it comes to how Harden left the team was that the chemistry was fractured, at best, and non-existent, at worst. As we would come to find out, this wasn’t something that started with Harden’s now-infamous Lakers post-game comments, it had been festering all throughout training camp.

DeMarcus Cousins on James Harden: “He can feel however he wants to feel with the organization..but the other 14 guys in the locker room have done nothing to him. For us to be on the receiving end of some of the disrespectful comments & antics, it’s completely unfair to us.” pic.twitter.com/hZk583DwFE

— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) January 13, 2021

DeMarcus Cousins definitely wasn’t the only Houston Rocket to have a major issue with how Harden has handled the entire situation. Other teammates have made similar comments on how disrespected they have felt with the way Harden has carried himself in the last few months.

With Harden now on another team, several players have expressed how they are playing for each other and are on the same page.

Jae'Sean Tate's defense is absurd. pic.twitter.com/mgMv3lZjp1

— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) January 15, 2021

You can tell how the bench and everyone on the court is ecstatic when a teammate makes a play. No one really knows yet how this season will play out, but the team will be an actual TEAM that does not have to worry about trade demands and their superstar not showing up.

??? https://t.co/pP3EG2X5Aq

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) January 15, 2021

The Houston Rockets may not be a marquee team now that Harden is with the Nets. The team’s attention will wane, and the spotlight will be elsewhere, but one thing is for sure: this team will have more movement, be less predictable, and be a lot more fun to watch as the season goes on.