JUST when we thought all the surprises had been sprung and the NBA pairings were complete, we get the dynamite news that Russell Westbrook will be playing alongside James Harden in Houston.
Now, I know what everybody is thinking: How can two dominant ball hogs co-exist? I’m just as flabbergasted as you guys, but this ultimately reveals how bad things got between Harden and Chris Paul. The latter had openly denied there was any issue but this trade shows that the Rockets had to risk taking in a guy like Westbrook to play alongside Harden even though it might not work rather than let Paul and Harden soldier on together for what most certainly would be a disastrous year.
Get it? They were trading for the potential and the hope rather than face the inevitability of conflict and dissension among their ranks .
EFFECT. The Oklahoma City Thunder now have several first round picks in the coming years, and are practically assured of landing several blue chip prospects as they rebuild in the coming years.
They are getting an aging Chris Paul, but they are not losing much anyway because in terms of financial impact, the contracts of Paul and Westbrook were similarly constructed. So for now, they will not be in title contention, but look out for them in the next three to four years.
Because Westbrook is better than Chris Paul, the Rockets were instantly benefited, albeit they had to give up several first round picks. What they have now is a serious chemistry issue between two of the league’s premiere point guards sharing the limelight.
We all know these two are the A and A- when it comes to triple doubles. But that also means they command the ball at all times and when you combine these two on the floor together, I pity the other three teammates who will be left standing on the wing wondering what they need them for.
WHAT IF. Indulge me if you will and imagine one of them sacrificing for the other. I have heard some of the critics suggest that Westbrook should defer to Harden and move to the No. 2 spot so he can penetrate and slash.
However, I have it the other way around. Harden should play off guard because he is more versatile, being the better shooter and scorer. He will have less to worry about if he can roll around a pick and do the catch and shoot. Having Harden as a point guard means he will be patting the ball 30 times while Westbrook is waiting in the wing. This will be certain disaster for this team, chemistry-wise.
The better fit is for the more explosive, more athletic Westbrook- but the less talented shooter, to bring up the ball. If there is a clear path to the basket he can take it to the hoop with Harden lurking in the perimeter, bereft of the burden of shaking off double teams.
Of course, this is not rigid arrangement and the actual situation should call for more fluidity on the court, but this would be a good start.
Otherwise, has anyone thought that the Rockets could also be using Westbrook as a trade option to a third team?
LAST ROUND. It’s on my little man—Rodan Benjamin Jericho Navarro Quijano who celebrates his birthday this week. Cheers, Benjo!