Houston Rockets, NBA, NBA Offseason

Report: Rockets James Harden, Chris Paul really hate playing with one another

After a couple great seasons together, it looks like the Houston Rockets all-star back court of Chris Paul and James Harden won’t see the start of the 2019-20 season if newly-surfaced reports are to be believed. The two reportedly haven’t even spoken to one another for at least two months during the regular season.

That certainly didn’t help their chemistry between CP3 and Harden as the Kevin Durant -less Golden State Warriors eliminated a Rockets team that was built to defeat them in the second-round. Following the loss, there were reports that the two had it out in an intense verbal exchange.

As it stands “there’s no respect at all, on either side,” a source told Yahoo Sports. “They need to get away from one another. Chris doesn’t respect James’ standing in the league, and James doesn’t respect the work Chris has put in to this point.”

The Breaking Point

This isn’t much of a surprise with the way the Rockets were eliminated from this past NBA Playoffs and it isn’t the first time that the two have fought — that we know of. Remember when James Harden slapped Paul’s hand away in a heated exchange during a timeout in last year’s NBA Playoffs? You don’t remember? Take a look again:

We think that it’s quite likely that the two have been at odds much more than we’re aware of. There might be some truth to the rumors that Harden accidentally burned down Paul’s kitchen and didn’t take responsibility.

Sorry had to add that in.

Despite the team’s success over the last couple years, Harden’s ball-domination clearly irked Paul, still one of the league’s best point guards. And it’s not just a difference in preferred playing styles, according to ESPN’s Tim McMahon, but their personalities are drastically so very different.

Harden and Paul have a lot of history and as NBA superstars, they’re set in their ways in terms of how the game should be played. but does that mean they’re past reconciliation? Not necessarily.

A basketball team is very much like a family, and the signs that family members may recognize the need for help can easily be applied to the basketball personalities. That said, you can’t help when both parties believe they’re right — especially superstars that have had success in their approach to the games, so they’ll first have to be genuinely open to discussing.

You see, Harden and Paul have reportedly hit their breaking points. Both expressed their frustrations to Rockets management and neither wants to play with the other any longer. Harden issued an ultimatum — him or me — during exit interviews and Paul asked Rockets general manager Daryl Morey to be traded. I

That’s easier said than done considering that the 34 year old Paul’s contract has him earning $38.5 million, $41.3 million and $44.2 million the next three seasons. That means the only team that may want to take has to be a couple pieces away from contending for an NBA championship — and rumors have it that the Los Angeles Lakers are considering that move since Paul and LeBron James are close friends and oh yeah, the Lakers just acquired Anthony Davis.

Visited 40 times, 1 visit(s) today

Leave a Comment