NBA Rumors: Houston Rockets Blame Dwight Howard For Poor Plays; James Harden Calls for Trade

By Mitch de Leon
James Harden
Mar 18, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after scoring a basket during the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Rockets are on the verge of exiting the NBA playoffs 2016. With their recent embarrassing loss in the hands of the Golden State Warriors, the James Harden team are slowly slipping away from the top. At the seventh spot in the highly competitive Western Conference, where the San Antonio Spurs, OKC and Los Angeles Clippers are threatening to dethrone the Stephen Curry squad, the Patrick Beverly team are in danger of getting eliminated soon. Amid the losses of the Houston Rockets, sources claim that Dwight Howard is at the center of it all.

In their recent loss to the Golden State Warriors, the Houston Rockets gave up a massive advantage to the team that had their star player injured mid-game. Despite the absence of Stephen Curry, the Draymond Green squad still managed to bring home a 121-94 victory to the leading NBA team today. This result came even with both Houston Rockets leaders, Howard and Harden, healthy and working in the hardwood court. However, fans noted that The Beard actually played almost the entire game. Hence, the blame once again falls on Howard who failed to help Harden carry the team to victory.

"Throw it down to him occasionally, but if you throw it down to him on a steady diet the poor guy just can't get down low and move any more," shared Kevin McHale of Dwight Howard. The former Houston Rockets star added, "I think that back bothered him, his hips are tight from that and he just wasn't the same player. He's worked hard on it. The kid does work hard on his physical conditioning and trying to get healthy and stuff. But he is not what he used to be down there in the low post. And I think the knee surgery, too."

Howard has been at the heart of NBA trade rumors since he entered the Houston Rockets. Issues ranging from his lack of chemistry with Harden to his injuries push fans to believe that the former Los Angeles Lakers star is not the player the Houston Rockets need right now. Moreover, Howard is said to be looking into a max contract by free agency. Given his poor performance with his current NBA team, the possibility of this coming to fruition is near nil.

Meanwhile, Harden has been open about his frustration with the NBA team. While he labors to keep the Houston Rockets afloat throughout the season, fans noticed that the front office has repeatedly failed to bring in reinforcements who can help The Beard on the hardwood court. In fact, the latest player who was promised to be a backup for Harden, Ty Lawson, eventually proved to be yet another disappointment. Will Harden finally leave after this latest batch of failed promises?

"Terrible way, terrible way, terrible way to lose," said Harden after their loss to the Golden State Warriors. He further stated, "That's kind of how it's been all season long. It's frustrating. We will get over that hump, will play well and play a really good third quarter and things are different. It's frustrating, but we still have an opportunity to go back to The Bay for Game 5 and we just have to figure out a way to get a win."

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