Harden frustrated Paul isn't in All-Star Game: 'He should be here with me'
The Houston Rockets just edged the Golden State Warriors for the best record in the NBA heading into the All-Star break, with their one fewer loss giving them the advantage in win percentage.
Despite their league superiority, however, the Rockets will only have one representative in Sunday's All-Star Game, while the Warriors, not including captain Stephen Curry, will have three: Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Kevin Durant.
James Harden, the only Rocket to make the event, insists he shouldn't be representing Houston alone, and his backcourt partner Chris Paul should have also gotten the nod with him.
"What are we talking about? Obviously, everybody knows Chris Paul is with the Rockets. The Rockets have the No. 1 (record). How does that happen?" he asked Saturday, according to the Houston Chronicle's Jonathan Feigen. "It's frustrating. I know he's frustrated.
"He never brings it up. That's why I said what I said. He's never going to bring it up. I'll defend for him. He should be here with me in L.A. as an All-Star."
Paul does have a strong All-Star case. The 32-year-old has averaged 19.2 points, 8.3 assists, and 5.7 rebounds through the first half of his debut season with Houston, moving over from the Los Angeles Clippers in a trade this past summer.
His health, however, looks to have kept him out, as Paul has played in just 39 of the Rockets' 57 games this season. Despite his limited time, Paul's effect on the Rockets has been apparent through advanced metrics: With him on the court, Houston scores approximately 117 points per 100 possessions, the highest offensive rating of all Rockets players with at least five total minutes played this season. Under the same qualifier, his 13.7 net rating trails only center Nene Hilario on the roster. Houston is also 33-6 in games with Paul in the lineup, but just 11-7 without him.
Rockets bench boss Mike D'Antoni, who will serve as head coach for Team Stephen at the event, isn't upset by the Warriors' All-Star quartet, though he does wish his side had more representation.
"They should have four. They're the world champs," he said. "Now, we should have two, at least."