The Houston Rockets will go head-to-head against the Los Angeles Clippers tonight. As Alperen Sengun and Co. prepare to host the Clippers, they will welcome a familiar face to Toyota Center. Former Rockets superstar James Harden will return to Houston for the first time in a Clippers uniform. While the NBA World is excited for Harden’s return to Houston, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka does not have the former MVP on his priority list.

Udoka downplayed Harden’s return to Houston during the pre-game interview, “Its Clippers as a whole, obviously very elite players. And you can’t just worry about James returning.” Udoka knows that the Clippers are a major threat and one of the most talented teams in the league. They have 4 future Hall of Famers, Harden, Kawhi, PG, and Westbrook on their roster. So, Udoka cannot just worry about one player and has the bigger picture in mind. Udoka claimed the players and the coaching staff have not mentioned Harden’s return at all.

Ime Udoka’s comments about Harden’s return come months after he snubbed the former MVP to pick Fred VanVleet. In October last year, when Harden was having troubles in Philadelphia and was available in the trade market, many speculated he would re-join the Rockets in a blockbuster move. However, the Rockets instead signed veteran guard Fred VanVleet over the former MVP. Even though Ime Udoka had coached Harden in Brooklyn, he also believed VanVleet was a better addition to the Rockets roster. “Nothing against James, but Fred is just a better fit,” Udoka said after the trade.

Signing Fred VanVleet instead of James Harden worked out for everyone

Houston signed VanVleet over Harden because they were looking for a veteran leader instead of a superstar to take over the team. “If we want Jalen and the young guys to take the next steps, we need them to have the ball. As for me saying I don’t want James, that was never the case. It was about fit.” Udoka said. Although Udoka denied not wanting Harden on his team, he believed VanVleet could better help achieve their goal. And that is what happened. Fred VanVleet has been a great leader to the young Rockets squad and helped them shine throughout the season.

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Meanwhile, Harden has re-gained his All-Star form playing alongside Kawhi, PG, and Russ in LA. The Beard has fit perfectly in his new role and has no pressure to carry the team. So, Houston’s decision worked out in everyone’s favor. While Ime Udoka is not worried about Harden’s return, the fans in Houston will be excited to host their former superstar, who carried the franchise for over 8 years.

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