Newsletter
Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Reading: The List Of Houston Rockets Problems: Russ And Harden Had Several Tense Verbal Exchanges, PJ Tucker And Eric Gordon Are Unhappy With Their Roles
Fadeaway WorldFadeaway World
Search
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Follow US
Home > NBA News & Analysis > The List Of Houston Rockets Problems: Russ And Harden Had Several Tense Verbal Exchanges, PJ Tucker And Eric Gordon Are Unhappy With Their Roles

The List Of Houston Rockets Problems: Russ And Harden Had Several Tense Verbal Exchanges, PJ Tucker And Eric Gordon Are Unhappy With Their Roles

Orlando Silva
Nov 12, 2020
4 Min Read
Share

Russell Westbrook’s trade request is just the tip of the iceberg for the Houston Rockets. The Texans had a couple of good seasons from 2017 through 2019 but just like their biggest rivals during that time, the Golden State Warriors, things were very different for them this past season.

However, unlike the Warriors, the Rockets don’t have any hope for the next season. In the wake of Westbrook’s trade request, several details about the Rockets saw the light and things aren’t looking very favorable for them. Various players have expressed their discontent with the way the team has handled their contracts, their time of play and the role they have on the team.

Kelly Iko, Sam Amick, and Shams Charania of The Athletic detailed every problem the Rockets are facing right now. For starters, Westbrook and Harden had some exchanges during the season; in fact, the point guard tried to explain what was wrong with the team during a losing streak and the Beard wasn’t so happy that Russ was criticizing the team.

Westbrook, sources say, has made it known for quite some time now that he would like to see significant changes to the Rockets’ culture. Specifically, his desire for more team-wide accountability, discipline and structure have been the focus of talks with team officials. Throughout the season, Westbrook was the consistent presence who kept Harden accountable and the two close friends had several verbal exchanges that sources described as “tense, but needed.”

During the January locker room meeting following a home loss to Portland, Westbrook, who was leading the meeting, went around the room indicating what was wrong and what each player needed to do to fix the losing streak, starting with himself, sources said. When it came to Harden, however, he wasn’t as receptive to criticism as other teammates, sources said.

Austin Rivers also suffered Harden’s anger at some point, when the Beard blamed him for missing a free throw.

[Austin] Rivers was barked at by Harden after the former MVP missed a free throw and blamed Rivers — who was standing up by the bench — for distracting him.

Moreover, The Athletic explains that Eric Gordon was unhappy with how his role diminished since 2016-17. Danuel House wasn’t cool with his offensive usage and even verbally challenged Harden and Westbrook at some point. As for P.J. Tucker, he has been “irate” over his contract situation with the team, which can prompt his departure from the Rockets.

Multiple Rockets have expressed frustrations:

◾️ Eric Gordon was unhappy with how his role diminished since 2016-17
◾️ Danuel House wasn’t pleased with his offensive usage and verbally challenged Harden and Westbrook
◾️ P.J. Tucker has been "irate" over his contract

— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) November 12, 2020

Houston, we have a problem 😬

(📸: @TopBallCoverage) pic.twitter.com/qriijZTPpX

— GoodGuysBets (@goodguysbet) November 12, 2020

They are a hot mess right now and seeing all these players are unhappy with the direction of the team in the last couple of years, a change of culture is what they need. To do so, however, some of these guys must leave the squad as soon as possible. Stephen Silas landed in a team with fresh expectations upon his arrival, but now that has changed. The Rockets need to figure things out if they still plan to compete this upcoming season.

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

TAGGED:Houston Rockets ArchiveJames HardenRussell Westbrook
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
ByOrlando Silva
Follow:
Orlando Silva has been a part of Fadeaway World for over three years now, starting in March 2019. Trade rumors, hottest news, controversies, and basketball gossip have become his specialties. After several years of seeing the Spurs dominate the playoffs, they've become his favorite team as players for the franchise either rise to the occasion or fall completely from grace. When he's not talking about the NBA, Orlando can be seen watching other sports, making music, or enjoying television series.
Previous Article NBA Rumors: San Antonio Spurs Are Reportedly “Up To Something Big” In Trade Talks
Next Article Brian Scalabrine: “KD Is Not LeBron; He’s A Very Different Player, And Isn’t Someone Who Makes Everyone Around Him Better Like That.”
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Newsletter
Facebook X-twitter Instagram

You Might Also Like

Houston Rockets Trade Rumors

Russell Westbrook Likes Rockets IG Photo With Kevin Durant, Steven Adams; Big Reunion Upcoming?

October 3, 2025
Golden State Warriors News & Analysis

Seth Curry Admits He Didn’t Want To Team Up With Stephen Curry Until Now

October 3, 2025
Sep 29, 2025; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets player Nikola Jokic (15) takes questions during media day at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Denver Nuggets News & Analysis

Nikola Jokic Remains Loyal To The Nuggets Despite Not Signing An Extension This Summer

October 3, 2025
Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) controls the ball in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
NBA News & Analysis

Kendrick Perkins Claims Russell Westbrook Has Been Blackballed By The NBA

October 3, 2025

NBA - Fadeaway World

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • New York Knicks
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
  • Washington Wizards

Pages

  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA Media
  • Exclusive NBA Interviews
  • NBA 2K News & Updates

© 2025 Fadeaway World @ All Rights Reserved

  • About Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World Authors
  • Editorial Team
  • Ethics Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Contact Us
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?