Kevin McHale was fired by the Rockets Wednesday but he isn't the only reason they're underachieving this season.
After reaching the Western Conference Finals this past spring, Houston is off to a disappointing 4-7 start and, according to USA Today, the Rockets held a players only meeting Tuesday that may have indirectly led to McHale's firing but also resulted in star guard James Harden getting called out for his lackluster play.
Harden's play and aloofness have frustrated teammates, and McHale took the brunt of the blame for the team's play. Practices were not resulting in improved play in games.
Harden, who finished second in the MVP voting to Steph Curry last season, is still putting up 27.3 PPG this season, but is shooting a paltry 37.2 percent from the field and a nightmarish 26.2 percent from beyond the arc. He's also averaging 4.8 turnovers a game and his defense—never his strong suit—has been almost non-existent.
[h/t/ Pro Basketball Talk]
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