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James Harden: Dwight Howard cornerstones of the Rockets, rest are role players

Nov 30, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and forward Dwight Howard (12) react against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at the AT&T Center. Houston beat San Antonio 112-106. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and forward Dwight Howard (12) react against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at the AT&T Center. Houston beat San Antonio 112-106. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Rockets big man Dwight Howard ruffled the feather of his former teammate Chandler Parsons when he said his departure “won’t affect us at all.” Parsons, who signed with the Dallas Mavericks as a restricted free agent, said he felt offended Rockets went out looking for a third superstar, a role he thought he filled.

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Parsons said he thinks Howard didn’t mean it, but now shooting guard James Harden is coming out and making it clear.

“Dwight (Howard) and I are the cornerstones of the Rockets,” said Harden, via the Phil Star. “The rest of the guys are role players or pieces that complete our team. We’ve lost some pieces and added some pieces. I think we’ll be fine next season.”

It will be interesting to see how Parsons reacts to year another comment like that in the wake of his departure. One thing is for certain, Parsons won’t be short on motivational or bulletin board material.