“It’s Not Going To Work Here”: Ime Udoka Reportedly Had No Interest In Coaching James Harden

The newly-minted Houston Rockets coach wasn't keen on having James Harden on board.

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Credit: Fadeaway World

Houston Rockets’ new coach Ime Udoka reportedly has no interest in coaching James Harden, and he made that intention very clear.

According to Heavy Sports’ Steve Bulpett, “From everything we’ve gotten out of there, it was a matter that Ime didn’t want him,” one league source told Heavy Sports. “At the beginning, were they thinking about Harden? Yeah. But then they hired Ime, and Ime said, ‘It’s not going to work here.’” 

The source also added that Fred VanVleet fit better in the team’s scheme of things and that he was a more suitable choice over Harden.

“They wound up with a guy who fits better anyway,” the source said. “VanVleet is going to be able to give them the scoring they need, but he’s not going to dominate the ball the way Harden would, the way Harden does.”

Ime is aware that he needs a point guard with the skills of playing off the ball, collective ball moment, and defensive presence, and that could have been the reason behind the comment.

At the time of writing, Harden’s future is still up in the air after he requested out of the Philadelphia 76ers. The LA Clippers are the most likely destination for the mercurial guard. 

Clearly, this move shows Harden to Houston is off the table.


James Harden Reportedly Favoring A Move To The LA Clippers

James Harden is reportedly favoring a move to the LA Clippers amid the ongoing saga.

“For Harden, that preference, I’m told, remains to return to his hometown of Los Angeles where he could team up with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George with the Clippers,” said Shams Charania of The Athletic.

For the Clippers, bringing in Harden would mean bolstering their lineup that already has Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, and possibly Russell Westbrook. Meanwhile, Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey is reportedly set to convince ‘The Beard’ to stay with the team after his trade request.

Only time will tell if it’s another run in Philly for Harden.

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Aaron Abhishek is an NBA columnist for Fadeaway World. He graduated from St. Joseph's College with a Bachelor's in Visual Communication and a Master's in journalism.His passion for the sport began when he saw Michael Jordan take his final shot in the NBA, and he considers himself fortunate to have been a part of the Kobe Bryant era. Now he writes basketball news and analysis while waiting for the Los Angeles Lakers to win their 18th title.When not watching and writing basketball, you can find Aaron suited to play cricket, putting in some hard yards at the gym, trying a new coffee, and supporting Arsenal. Expertise: NBAFavorite Team: Los Angeles LakersPrevious Work: MEAWW, Blue Man Hoop, Sportskeeda
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