The Houston Rockets had a chance to reunite with James Harden, who is seeking to move to a new team. However, new head coach Ime Udoka opted for Fred VanVleet despite being familiar with the 2018 NBA MVP.
Rather than be an advantage, it turned out to be something that worked against the 10-time All-Star. Although he didn't directly say he didn't want Harden, the 46-year-old mentor shed light on the decision when he spoke to Zach Lowe of ESPN.
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"Nothing against James," Udoka stated. "But Fred is just a better fit. I coached James in Brooklyn. He's one of the smartest players I've ever been around. The words' Ime doesn't want James' never came out of my mouth. It was, 'Let's look at the best fit.' If we want Jalen and the young guys to take the next steps, we need them to have the ball," he added.
Most know that James Harden is a ball-dominant player, which would have hampered the Rockets' plans to develop their young core.
Before his forgettable exit in Boston, most saw what Udoka was able to do with its young core that barely got attention during the 2021-22 NBA season. That included a trip to the NBA Finals, something most never saw coming.
Harden needs to wait patiently
As for Harden, he is left with no choice but to stick with the Sixers for now. While he did attend team practice on Wednesday, October 4, his trade request remains on the table.
The Los Angeles Clippers remain Harden's preferred destination. The Sixers are doing their part to make the James Harden trade happen, The Athletic reported.
For now, "The Beard" has no choice but to be professional about the whole situation and patiently wait on how the Sixers can seal a deal for him.
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