Houston Rockets: James Harden’s contract situation

The Houston Rockets want the NBA to Fear The Beard in Houston for a few more years.

According to a report from ESPN, the Houston Rockets are trying to keep James Harden beyond 2020.  After James Harden’s amazing season last year where he averaged 29 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds per game, the Rockets should do anything and everything to keep him happy.

Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey, who was recently given an extension, wanted to make Houston a championship contender and brought over Harden in 2012 after the Oklahoma City Thunder could not get an extension completed.

Harden means more to the Houston Rockets more than any other player and without him, the Houston Rockets are nowhere near as good.  He is more than a star player, he is the coach on the floor and makes the team offense what it is. He brings excitement to the offense on the floor and can step up on defense when needed. Oh, and he can draw fouls with the best of them too.

I know basketball is a team game, but Harden makes the team better. He has the knack for being in the right spot at the right time, whether that is setting up Trevor Ariza for a clutch-three or making a perfect alley-oop to Clint Capela.

Say what you want to say about his playoff performance against the Spurs. However, I don’t see the Houston Rockets lasting as long as they did against Pop and Co, without the Beard on the floor.

During the Oklahoma City series, he showed the entire league who should have been the real MVP.  Russell Westbrook was no match for Harden all series.

Harden’s gaudy numbers during the regular season should have been enough to convince people that the MVP should to go to the best player on the best team. Not the best player on a mediocre team.

Next: The Rockets' window for a championship is tight

My only concern for the Rockets going into next year is managing Harden’s playing time better. What I mean by this is giving him a chance to rest more. At times, he seemed to be worn down and seemed to be susceptible to injury.

If the team manages that better, I see the Houston Rockets going deeper into the playoffs with a healthy Harden.