The Houston Rockets are no more the same team after the exit of Russell Westbrook and James Harden. The latter, much more than the former, has affected the franchise by leaving them in the middle of nowhere. 

Still, one cannot discount The Beard’s contribution to the team. He put the franchise on the map and created an insane Rocket following not just in America but also in China. He placed the team into important conversations and made the mainstream media take notice, and he deserves to be credited for all of that. 

Houston Rockets to pay respect to James Harden 

The circumstances that led to The Beard parting ways from the Rockets have left a foul taste in the mouth of his fans in Space City. But James deserves better than that, and the team governor understands it well. 

In a recent interview, the team owner Tilman Fertitta announced something that took everyone by surprise. He exclaimed, “James Harden will always be a Rocket. Of course, we will retire his jersey. He made my first three years of owning this franchise unforgettable. The success he brought this franchise over eight years and the memories he created for our fan base/community [are] truly remarkable.”

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Notably, the 9x NBA All-star played eight complete seasons with the Rockets and ensured they reached the playoffs every single time. He averaged 29.6 points, 6 rebounds, 7.7 assists, and 1.8 steals in those years with the Rockets. In fact, in 2018, the same year he lifted the NBA MVP award, the Rockets were one win away from upsetting the Warriors and reaching the NBA Finals.

Read also – ‘Unbelievable Career’: Brooklyn Nets’ James Harden Gives Account of His Excitement Before Playing Rockets

The Beard is coming back to the Toyota Center

Brooklyn Nets’ James Harden is all set to play against his former team on March 3, 2021. Interestingly, the last time he played against the Rockets was exactly nine years ago on March 13, 2012. He used to be an OKC player back then and coincidentally had Kevin Durant on the same roster. The Rockets had won that game 104-103 but the chances of a repeat of that happening are close to none.

This time, although KD is currently sitting out, the odds are completely in favor of the Nets. In the last 12 games, John Wall’s Rockets are 0-12, while the Nets are 9-3 even without KD in most of those games. 

Do you welcome the idea of the James Harden jersey being retired?