Written by There was a “blockbuster deal” that took place yesterday in the NBA. James Harden is no longer at the Houston Rockets. Houston players and staff no longer have to hear “Whatever James wants” and the entire organization revolves around his every want and need. And as an added bonus, rookies for the Rockets no longer have to be yelled at or get balls thrown at them by James Harden.
From an organizational culture standpoint, this multiteam trade that Harden was a part of is a win/win for for both the Houston Rockets and James Harden himself. The Houston Rockets now have an opportunity to drastically change their behavior, but also take a hard look at their morals, values, and ethics as an organization. They can ask themselves questions like: What are our core beliefs; What will define success within our organization; How do will chasing and achieving success be in line with our morals, values, and ethics; and how do we honestly want to treat our employees, athletes, support staff, and supporters? This is a great opportunity for reflection and I hope that the Houston Rockets take advantage of this opportunity.
James Harden also has a fabulous opportunity to show that he can be a positive, not negative, influencer of change at the Brooklyn Nets. While he did not create the toxic organizational culture at the Houston Rockets, he definitely was a beneficiary of the organization revolving around him: Mega contract, not being applicable to the same rules as every other player on the team, and James getting his way all of the time. He now has a chance to change how he integrates into an organization’s culture.
It can be a defining moment for the Houston Rockets and James Harden. The Houston Rockets can drastically and positively change their culture. James Harden can now use his influence to help his new organization. It will be extremely interesting to watch what happens next.