ROCKET SCIENCE

Rockets make the best out of a bad situation by trading Harden

Rockets James Harden
It's time for the Rockets to rebuild. Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
Here's what the Rockets must consider before pulling the trigger on a James Harden trade

Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta released an official statement regarding James Harden being traded to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a complicated four-team deal.

“On behalf of the entire Rockets organization and the City of Houston. I'd like to thank James Harden for an amazing eight-plus seasons in a Rockets uniform. James has provided us with so many great memories as we've watched him grow from Sixth Man of the Year to a perennial All-Star and MVP. My family and I also want to thank James for his many off the court contributions, including charitable donations and multiple annual community events. We wish James the best of luck and will always be grateful for the memories." Fertitta said.

In a post-game press conference earlier this week, Harden was brutally honest. He said he didn't believe that this Rockets' roster was talented enough to bring an NBA title to Houston. It's tough to argue that after seeing the Rockets' pair of blow-out losses to Western Conference rival Los Angeles Lakers. Harden isn't getting any younger, and the Brooklyn Nets situation presents him a perfect opportunity for a championship. Fifteen games into the season, Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets realize that Kyrie Irving is an unreliable contributor, and bringing in Harden to take over as the No. 2 star was the best possible trade option.

As for the Rockets

The Houston Rockets were the engine that drove the multi-team trade that sent James Harden to Brooklyn. In return the Rockets received Caris Levert, Rodions Kurucs, three unprotected first round picks (2022, 2024, and 2026), and the right to exchange first round picks with the Nets in 2021, 2023, 2025, and 2027.

The Rockets also acquired Danté Exum and Milwaukee's first-round pick in 2022 from the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Rockets general manager Rafael Stone executed his first major trade in flawless fashion. Although Rockets fans are trashing Harden on his way out, this was the best deal that the Rockets could have received in exchange for the disgruntled Beard.

It is tough to understand why anyone would have a sour taste in their mouth about Harden leaving. It is clear that Harden did not mean to bad mouth the Rockets.

“For me, knowing him, I don't think he meant it as far as to really disrespect us. I think he just wanted a different situation. He's shown that and he also said it. He wanted his way out. And he got it," Rockets guard Eric Gordon said at the Rockets Thursday morning shoot around.

This trade was a win for Rafael Stone, and he now has the blueprint to build a winning franchise for the coming decade. Over the past nine seasons, the Houston Rockets have followed through on every acquisition that Harden requested (Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, and Russell Westbrook). Harden has played at an All-Star level each year in Houston, winning three scoring titles along the way. Harden solidified himself as one of the top scorers in NBA history. If it weren't for a CP3 hamstring injury and an all-time Golden State Warriors super team, Harden would've brought home the Rockets third championship title.

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Will this be the week the Texans' offense breaks out? Composite Getty Image.

Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud has been receiving a surprising amount of criticism recently, despite coming off the team's convincing win over the Cowboys on Monday Night Football.

Stroud has tossed only 2 TDs in his last 5 games, and already has more interceptions this year, than all of last season. Which is why many are claiming that a sophomore slump is afoot. But there are reasons to believe that's not exactly the case.

Stroud's decrease in touchdowns has a lot to do with Joe Mixon. Mixon already has 10 rushing TDs this season, in only 7 complete games. This Texans team is built more on defense and rushing the football. There's no need to keep throwing late in games when holding a lead with a quality defense.

The o-line can't be ignored

Houston's offensive line play has been an issue all season. Which is one of the reasons Stroud is the second-most sacked QB in 2024. Per PFF, the Texans have a 65.4 offensive line grade, which is 27th in the league.

With guard Kenyon Green out for the season nursing a shoulder injury, the Texans o-line appears to be improving. Stroud was only sacked once against the Cowboys.

Stroud has also been without Tank Dell, Stefon Diggs, or Nico Collins at some point this season. There's no question missing Nico for 5 games has made an impact. CJ is missing more throws this year, to be fair, but his regression is overstated in my opinion.

Let's not forget, Stroud was on the injury report last week with an injury to his right hand. That could definitely contribute to off target passes.

Texans vs. Titans

This could be the week CJ Stroud and the receivers get going. The Titans are down their two top corners once again, which is why PFF loves Collins this week. Per PFF, Nico has the fourth-best matchup advantage against the Titans defense in Week 11.

Houston shouldn't have trouble scoring points, as the Titans have surrendered 23 or more points in four of their last 5 games.

If the Texans can keep defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons in check, like they did with Micah Parsons last week, Stroud should have enough time to make some big plays down the field.

Bulls on Parade

This is setting up to be an exciting week for the Texans pass rushers. Will Anderson participated in practice on Wednesday and Thursday, so he should be back to help Danielle Hunter keep Will Levis and the Titans' passing game under wraps.

Not to mention, the Titans have taken 33 sacks this year, which is tied for the third-most in the league.

Corner Kamari Lassiter is also expected to return after missing last week with a concussion. Which should help the Texans keep receiver Calvin Ridley from wrecking the game. Lassiter along with Derek Stingley Jr. will present a big challenge for Levis and his receivers.

Low output

The Titans' offense has scored under 21 points in 9 of 10 games, so points should be hard to come by for Tennessee.

What does Vegas think?

The Texans are favored by 8 points at most sportsbooks. The total is set at 40.5.

Don't miss the video above as the crew from Texans on Tap gets real about CJ Stroud, and previews this week's showdown with the Titans.

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