James Harden on Friday shared a remarkably heartfelt farewell to the Houston Rockets organization following a dramatic exit this week when the team finally relented and honored the disgruntled superstar’s trade demand.
Given the tumultuous nature of Harden’s final days in Houston ahead of a blockbuster deal that shipped him to the Brooklyn Nets, the emotional message shared by the star certainly comes as something of a surprise.
In the Instagram dispatch, Harden candidly admits he “fell short” during his eight-plus seasons with the team, obviously in reference to the Rockets’ agonizing failures in the postseason as the star and a revolving cast of supporting players failed to deliver a championship.
Despite the run of playoff disappointments, Harden shares how he’s “forever indebted” to the Rockets organization.
“What can I write? What words can convey all the ways I feel,” Harden writes in part. “Houston you welcomed me with no guarantees. Took a leap of faith and it changed my life and the lives of my family forever. This organization, this city has given me everything I could ask for and more.”
Harden’s eloquent parting message follows the Rockets bidding their own fond farewell to the one-time MVP on Thursday in a series of social media posts, including the below video.
While Harden’s time with the Rockets came to an ugly end with an overall unsatisfying conclusion, the case can be made in light of the kind words exchanged this week between them that both involved parties are arguably better off going forward and ready to turn the page.
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