As James Harden prepares to face his former team for the first time since he was transferred to the Brooklyn Nets, the superstar’s goalkeeper reflected on his eight-year term with the Houston Rockets and said that when he enters the Toyota Center in Houston, on Wednesday night (7:30 pm ET on ESPN), he hopes to be “received with love.”
“The love and appreciation I have given to that city and still give to that city, I hope the favor can be returned,” Harden told ESPN in a wide-ranging interview.
There were months of tension that led to the deal with four teams on January 13 that sent Harden to Brooklyn, his favorite destination.
In July, Harden turned down a $ 103 million two-year contract extension offer from the Rockets, making it clear that he felt the franchise window to compete for a championship had closed. The Houston reception hoped to mend the relationship and convince Harden that the Rockets could still be competitive, but Harden never wavered, reiterating his desire to leave. As the Rockets began training camp, photos of Harden’s party in Atlanta and Houston appeared on social media.
“I thought I would never leave that franchise,” Harden said. “I thought I would be in Houston, obviously, for the rest of my career. Things happened. I have different goals and I saw a different vision for myself, my career and my family.”
He continued: “Like I said, it doesn’t change the way I feel about the city. But it just didn’t go as well – just as well – as I planned. Communication between me and the front office And now I look back at him and see these other scenarios, other situations that happen, especially around other players who are in Houston, in different sports. And their transition goes very smoothly. And I would do it. ” to go so smoothly, but he didn’t. I’m where I am now. “
Harden added that he is “very, very happy and excited” about the direction the Nets have been following since his arrival and reiterated that he wishes the Rockets franchise the best.
Finally, the Rockets intend to withdraw the shirt no. 13 by James Harden. Rocket owner Tilman Fertitta told the Houston Chronicle, “James Harden will always be a rocket.”
Now, Harden is returning to Houston after the city – and surrounding areas – being devastated by a winter storm that left millions without electricity or heat as temperatures dropped. The storm caused some families to run out of food and others to flee to emergency shelters.
Harden said he called every day to help Houston residents. Through his new restaurant, “Thirteen,” he sent 3,000 meals to the Houstonians. Harden said he sent water cases to the city and is working with plumbers to provide assistance to those whose pipes have frozen and burst.
“I feel like I’m part of the community,” Harden said. “Being in Brooklyn now, it hasn’t changed the way I feel about that city and everything that’s been done for me. people who need it. “
Since coming to Brooklyn, Harden has thrived, averaging 25.1 points, 8.4 rebounds and 11.1 assists for the Nets. Harden played 21 games in total for Brooklyn and finished with a triple-double in seven of them. Only Jason Kidd has had more in one season in Nets history.
However, the Harden Nets’ Big Three, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving played only seven games together.
“I’m just excited for us, as a whole, to be able to play as many games as possible together, because the potential we have is very, very scary,” Harden said. “We are still doing everything necessary to achieve victories … The potential will be more frightening when [Durant] returns. But for now, we keep it under pressure and come together as a team. “