James Harden disagreed with his former Rockets teammates’ assessment that he was disrespectful on his way out the door.
A day before news broke that the Rockets were trading Harden to the Brooklyn Nets, he gave what sounded like a farewell statement at a postgame press conference saying the Rockets’ talent and chemistry was “not good enough.” The next day DeMarcus Cousins said Harden’s “disrespect” had started way before that statement.
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At his introductory press conference in Brooklyn on Friday, Harden disagreed with that assessment.
"I wasn't disrespectful to anyone,” Harden said. “Those guys had just got there to Houston. I’d been there for a very long time. I’d been through all the ups and downs with that organization. And I wasn’t disrespectful towards anyone. I just made a comment that the team as a whole wasn't good enough to compete for a title. At this stage in my career where I am now, that's what I would love. I wasn’t trying to be disrespectful to anybody, especially not to the organization. I’m excited to be here in Brooklyn and excited for a new start."
A reporter tried to get Harden to clarify his statement further by asking if he regretted how he handled things in Houston.
“I regret, because I don’t need the attention, especially the negative energy, the negative attention,” Harden said. “I’ve never been that guy. So there were some things that I felt were out of my character but the ultimate goal was to get somewhere I could compete and here I am in Brooklyn. I have nothing but love and respect for that organization and that city and everything they’ve done for me and my family. Much respect.
Harden, who has appeared to be out of shape ever since he showed up late to Rockets training camp, had a lighter moment when a reporter asked him how his conditioning is.
“Great,” he said with a big smile.
Before his Brooklyn press conference, Harden posted a farewell message on Instagram, writing:
“What can I write? What words can convey all the ways I feel? Houston, you welcomed me with no guarantees. Took a leap of faith and it changed my life and the lives of my family forever. This organization, this city has given me everything I could ask for and more. Before the scoring titles, long before MVP, you believed. For that I am forever indebted. The city opened its arms and welcomed me and my family as one of its own and for that I am forever indebted. I gave my mind body and soul in hopes of bringing the glory to the city. I fell short and for that I am forever indebted. It’s far from a goodbye as I pay all my debts. TMC H Town!”
The TMC at the end is for The Marathon Continues, a tribute to his late friend Nipsey Hussle.
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January 16, 2021 at 04:31AM
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James Harden says his Rockets' exit wasn't disrespectful - Chron
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