James Harden is one of those NBA players currently stuck in the Philippines unable to play in an exhibition game that the NBA quashed. So he’s using the time to talk. “Dwight [Howard] and I are the cornerstones of the Rockets,” Harden told the PhilStar, a Philippines newspaper. “The rest of the guys are role players or pieces that complete our team. We’ve lost some pieces and added some pieces. I think we’ll be fine next season.”
When he looks back, the 24-year-old Harden may wish they had played the exhibition game–it would have kept him busier. And his Rockets teammates may never have learned that he considers them all, except Howard, second rate and interchangeable. The statement puts Harden on the same page as the only other important Rocket, Dwight Howard. Howard said last week that the loss of all-star caliber forward Chandler Parsons (who signed with Dallas) wouldn’t hurt the team at all. Clearly there’s something to be said for having a duo as strong as Harden and Howard. But hasn’t Harden heard that lately it’s been the “Big Three” idea that’s been winning championships? Parker/Ginobili/Duncan (not to mention Kawhi Leonard), LeBron/Wade/Bosch, Garnett/Allen/Pierce? None of those guys are “role players.”
