Were James Harden and Daryl Morey friends?
James Harden's recent comments about Daryl Morey have sent shockwaves throughout the NBA community. But to truly understand the depth of their relationship, one must trace back to their shared history in Houston.
In the early 2010s, the Houston Rockets, under the guidance of then-General Manager Daryl Morey, made a bold move. They traded for James Harden, a young talent who was yet to prove himself as a franchise player. Morey saw potential in Harden that few others did, and he was willing to bet the future of the franchise on it. This decision marked the beginning of a partnership that would define the next decade of Rockets basketball.
Harden blossomed in Houston, evolving from a sixth man in Oklahoma City to an MVP in Texas. Morey's analytics-driven approach seemed to perfectly complement Harden's unique style of play. The step-back three, the drives to the basket, the uncanny ability to draw fouls - these became the hallmarks of Harden's game. And Morey, ever the innovator, built a team around Harden's strengths, even going so far as to pioneer a small-ball lineup that eschewed traditional centers.
For years, the Rockets were perennial contenders. They came tantalizingly close to NBA Finals appearances, most notably in 2018 when they took the Golden State Warriors to seven games in the Western Conference Finals. Through the highs and lows, Morey and Harden remained the constants. Their mutual respect was evident. Morey often praised Harden in the media, and Harden, in turn, credited Morey for giving him the opportunity to lead a team.
But as with many great partnerships, cracks eventually began to show. The Rockets couldn't get over the championship hump, and frustrations mounted. Morey's departure from Houston in 2020 was the first sign that the era was ending. Harden's own exit from the Rockets soon followed, with him joining the Brooklyn Nets in a blockbuster trade.
Their paths crossed again in Philadelphia. Morey, now the President of Basketball Operations for the 76ers, saw an opportunity to reunite with Harden. But the circumstances had changed. The expectations were different, and the pressures of delivering a championship in a city starved for basketball success were immense.
If Morey did indeed promise Harden a contract extension in exchange for taking a pay cut, it would be a significant breach of trust. Harden's public outburst, calling Morey a "liar," suggests deep-seated feelings of betrayal.
Yet, amidst the controversy, it's essential to remember the successes they shared. The duo transformed the Rockets into a powerhouse, challenging the conventions of basketball strategy and team construction. Their bond, forged in the fires of playoff battles and the shared ambition of championship dreams, is a testament to what two brilliant minds can achieve when they align.
The future of their relationship remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: the story of James Harden and Daryl Morey is one of basketball's most compelling tales, a blend of innovation, ambition, and the inevitable challenges that arise when two giants collaborate.
In the end, the legacy of their partnership will be defined not by controversies or public spats but by the indelible mark they left on the game of basketball.
