By Stefan Djordjevic / info@eurohoops.net
Daryl Morey stepped down as the Houston Rocket general manager after 13 years and he bid his farewells to the organization but also specifically to James Harden in the Houston Chronicle.
“An entire page could be dedicated just to James. He not only transformed my life but also revolutionized the game of basketball — and continues to do so — like almost no one has before. The game is played differently because of James, and on every playground in the world, the next generation of talent is studying and imitating his game.”
Morey brought Harden to Houston in October 2012 via a blockbuster trade. The deal was one of 77 trades that Morey conducted during his stint with the Rockets.
“I can’t believe I won’t be able to have another strategy session with James. I loved working together on how to get his incredible Hall of Fame teammates Dwight Howard, Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook to the Rockets. I will be rooting for James to win a championship in Houston. It’s how this story should end.”
Harden went on to win the 2018 MVP award and the past three scoring titles while making eight straight All-Star teams and taking the Rockets to the playoffs every season he has been in Houston. The Rockets, however, never reached the NBA Finals under Morey.