Former Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni often spoke of the Rockets needing to play with "great spirit." It wasn't the same as intensity, exactly. The Rockets, even at their worst, weren't known as a team lacking in hard work. But, what they did seem to be, at times, was lethargic. The vibe around the team was even sullen. It might be convenient to blame the pandemic, but the feeling stretched all the way back to the previous season before COVID-19, injury issues and a dramatically changed roster.
It permeated the offseason as D'Antoni declined to return. He was followed by Daryl Morey. Then Russell Westbrook wanted out and then James Harden. Three of those four are gone and Harden hasn't exactly been gung ho to get back to Toyota Center.