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Houston Bully Case Study

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The Houston Rockets are 21-7 and in third place in the Western Conference. Their all-world superstar, James Harden, is among the NBA’s leaders in points (27.7), while he also leads the Association in assists (11.8). There are many factors that have contributed to Houston’s success this season, but the team’s progress can ultimately be traced back to the moves made by Rockets general manager Daryl Morey in the offseason. After infighting and chemistry issues plagued the Rockets during the past few seasons, they decided not to re-sign Dwight Howard after three seasons in Houston. The move has paid major dividends, as Howard fancied himself as somewhat of a post savant who required touches, space and his teammates to treat him like the superstar he thought himself to be. Consequently, the Rockets’ offense became a your-turn-my-turn dance between Harden and Howard, which not only frustrated their teammates and members of the organization, but fans as well. As a member of the Orlando Magic from 2004-2012, Howard made a name for himself as a menacing defender with ungodly athleticism and a force in pick-and-rolls. Former Magic point guard Jameer Nelson had career-years with Howard, who set picks …show more content…

Harden never had full autonomy in the past, but that has changed this season. This season, his numbers are some of the best he has produced in his career. Aside leading the league in assists, he’s also among the top five players in the league in scoring. Harden, a slithery player whose change of pace is virtually impossible to defend, has always had a knack for putting the ball in the basket. He’s an expert at manipulating defenders in isolation and is able to change gears so quickly that defenders are often left flat-footed. Thus, Harden can create space to shoot step-back jump shots, blow by defenders or use one of his many lures to bait defenders into fouling him at the

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