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Many reports claimed that the Houston Rockets could have had James Harden if they wanted him.
Harden apparently was looking to return to Houston and lead the team under new head coach Ime Udoka.
But the Rockets elected to sign Fred VanVleet instead and Udoka doesn’t regret that decision in the slightest.
Speaking to Zach Lowe, via ClutchPoints, Udoka revealed why the team chose VanVleet over Harden.
“Nothing against James, but Fred is just a better fit,” Udoka started.
He went on: “I coached James in Brooklyn. He’s one of the smartest players I’ve ever been around… If we want Jalen [Green] and the young guys to take the next steps, we need them to have the ball.”
Rockets head coach Ime Udoka on why he wanted Fred VanVleet over James Harden:
“Nothing against James, but Fred is just a better fit. I coached James in Brooklyn. He’s one of the smartest players I’ve ever been around… If we want Jalen [Green] and the young guys to take the… pic.twitter.com/VZcHR8cJQX
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 5, 2023
Passing on Harden was a very big, consequential move by the Rockets.
Even with all the drama that surrounds him, he’s still a very capable and intelligent NBA player.
Last season, the ten-time All-Star produced 21 points and 10.7 assists a game.
He is certainly someone who can command a team, if he wants to.
But the Rockets and Udoka weren’t interested in Harden’s style of play, according to most insiders.
They wanted to foster the young core within the team and really desired a lineup where multiple players would take control of the ball and work together.
Udoka is going to emphasize teamwork and everyone performing as a unit.
It’s unlikely we will see a whole lot of iso-ball plays that Harden is so keen on.
Harden might be very talented and a three-time scoring champion, but he’s just not the right fit for the plans that Udoka has.
This proves that Udoka has a strong vision for Houston’s path ahead, now it’s time to see if it pans out.
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