- Ime Udoka opened up on the Rockets picking Fred VanVleet over James Harden
- Udoka believes VanVleet to be a better fit
- The Rockets needed a veteran to lead their young core
The Houston Rockets had an eventful offseason this year, signing a number of veteran players to complement their young core. Their main acquisition was former All-Star Fred VanVleet, who signed a three-year, $130 million deal with the franchise.
The team notably had the option to acquire James Harden, a Rockets franchise legend, but ultimately went with VanVleet over the former MVP. Recently, Ime Udoka explained the franchise’s decision to acquire VanVleet over Harden.
“Nothing against James,” Udoka said, per Zach Lowe of ESPN, “but Fred is just a better fit. I coached James in Brooklyn. He’s one of the smartest players I’ve ever been around. The words ‘Ime doesn’t want James’ never came out of my mouth. It was, ‘Let’s look at the best fit.’ If we want Jalen and the young guys to take the next steps, we need them to have the ball. As for me saying I don’t want James, that was never the case. It was about fit.”
It is fair to say that James Harden plays a ball-dominant and isolation-heavy playstyle, and he has usually been a primary ballhandler since his Rockets days. It makes sense that the Rockets would go with a player like VanVleet who doesn’t need the ball to be effective, as that will allow their young players to have the ball more in their hands.
This past season, Fred VanVleet averaged 19.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game. It will be interesting to see how he does on the Rockets, and his championship experience and leadership will certainly benefit the young players on the roster.
The Rockets Reportedly Didn’t Want James Harden Because He Wanted To Be The No. 1 Scoring Option
Ime Udoka’s comments about James Harden’s fit with the franchise definitely make sense, and it is clear that their goals do not align with his. In fact, previously, it was reported that the Rockets were willing to give James Harden a max contract but refused after the star said he wanted to win the scoring title with the team.
Though Harden is a great talent and a franchise legend, the Houston Rockets are clearly trying to enter a new era and become one of the best young teams in the league. Harden’s personal goals clearly involve him dominating the ball, rather than playing a complementary role as a veteran leader for a young core. It will be interesting to see how the Rockets’ decision to not sign Harden affects them this year, and perhaps they will be proven right for passing on him.
James Harden Wants To Go To The Los Angeles Clippers
James Harden ended up opting into his player option with the Philadelphia 76ers this summer, with hopes of getting moved to the Los Angeles Clippers. However, as of right now, the Clippers have not managed to acquire Harden.
Even though the Clippers have reportedly lost interest in acquiring Harden, the star still wants to get moved there. It is clear that the star wants to be on a true contending team, and believes that he can be a difference-maker for the franchise.
It will be interesting to see if the Clippers end up restarting trade talks about James Harden. He can certainly be a good fit with the franchise, but only if he is willing to buy into a No. 3 option role on the squad.
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