NEW YORK – After a turbulent ending to his term with the Rockets, Brooklyn Nets’ new guard James Harden said on Friday that he does not believe he was disrespectful to anyone at the end of his Houston career, but regrets the the way the situation unfolded.
“I’ve been there a long time,” said Harden of the Rockets. “I have gone through all the ups and downs, you know, with that organization. And I was not disrespectful to anyone. I just made a comment that the team as a whole was not good enough to dispute a title. And at this stage in my career, where I am now, is what I would love.
“And so, I wasn’t trying to be disrespectful to anyone – especially the organization. And like I said, I’m excited to be here in Brooklyn and, you know, excited about a new start.”
After a bad loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, Harden told reporters that the Rockets “just weren’t good enough” and that he didn’t believe they were in a position to compete for the title. Harden added that “the situation is crazy” and “something that I think cannot be fixed”.
The next day, his teammates joined the conversation. DeMarcus Cousins said Harden’s comments were “disrespectful”, while Christian Wood said they were “a little disappointing”. Rockets coach Stephen Silas said it was “better for the group” that Harden did not attend the training.
Later that day, the Nets and Rockets agreed to be part of the four-team exchange that took Harden to Brooklyn.
Speaking at his introductory press conference in Brooklyn on Friday, Harden reiterated that he felt the Rockets “didn’t have a chance”, but said that some of his behavior and public comments were not characteristic of him.
“I’m sorry because I’m not the type of guy who – I don’t need attention,” said Harden. “The ultimate goal was to get somewhere I could compete, and here I am in Brooklyn.”
Harden added that he has “nothing but love and respect” for the city of Houston and the Rockets as an organization. He also thanked the team and their fans in an Instagram post on Friday.
Harden said his pre-existing relationship with former Oklahoma City Thunder teammate Kevin Durant and Nets assistant coach Mike D’Antoni made Brooklyn an even more attractive landing site.
Nets coach Steve Nash said that as soon as Harden is available to play, he will start. A team spokesman told ESPN that Harden completed his physical exam, but cannot participate in the team’s activities on the court until all players involved in switching multiple teams have passed the exams.
Harden said on Friday that while coming to Brooklyn does not guarantee a title, he likes the chances of the Nets. He said he will have to use his playing skills to coexist with “elite scorers” like Durant and Kyrie Irving.
“I think giving me a chance is very, very important to me,” said Harden. “Younger, giving me a chance, but wanting to be paid and looking after my family was very, very important for me. Now, at this stage in my career, I am giving myself the chance to do something I haven’t done yet in this league. That’s why I’m here in Brooklyn.
“Obviously, we know it is not easy,” added Harden. “With this list, this technical committee and this organization, I think we have a legitimate opportunity”.
Harden said that after eliminating the Rockets in the second round of the 2020 playoffs, he began to reevaluate his future in Houston. Shortly after the 4-1 loss to the Lakers in the bubble, D’Antoni made the decision not to try to return as a Rockets coach after his contract expired. Weeks later, general manager Daryl Morey resigned.
In mid-November, Harden turned down an extension in Houston that would make him the first $ 50 million player a year in the league’s history, and ESPN reported that Harden had started discussing his future with the Rockets bosses. He wanted to be traded, and Brooklyn was at the top of his list.
For a while, the Rockets were determined to stay with Harden, sources told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, hoping that the relationship could be restored and they could be competitive this season. Harden never wavered in his desire to be traded, the sources said.
Harden did not appear at the beginning of the training camp. Days before the season opened, he attended a private party in Houston, leading to a $ 50,000 fine for violating the NBA’s health and safety protocols and preventing him from being available for the premiere, which was later postponed.
“It was not as good as I would have loved it,” said Harden, who credited the organization for working with him in trade. “But I think both sides are happy.”