Houston Rockets: 5 reasons Chris Paul and James Harden won't work together
April 10, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) moves the ball ahead of Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Houston Rockets pulled off a blockbuster trade for Chris Paul this week, but here's why he and James Harden won't work well together in the backcourt.
The Houston Rockets went into the 2017 NBA offseason looking to make a major move to get back into championship contention. That move was made by Daryl Morey when the Rockets went out and acquired superstar point guard Chris Paul from the Los Angeles Clippers.
It was a move that shocked the NBA. Paul was expected to enter open free agency, but after making up his mind up on joining the Rockets, he decided to opt into his deal so the Clippers could trade him. Now the question becomes, will James Harden and Paul work well together in Houston?
As much fun as it will be to watch Paul and Harden play together, there are going to be some issues as well. It won't be easy for either player to make the necessary changes to make this situation a success.
Houston will also have to figure out how to bring more talent in around its two superstars. Trading away as much depth as the Rockets had to in order to acquire Paul will hurt their bench play. If they want to contend with the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference, finding veterans and bench pieces in free agency is a must.
With all of that being said, what five reasons can be given to support the statement that James Harden and Chris Paul will not work out for the Houston Rockets?
May 7, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles the ball in game four of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
5. James Harden is a point guard
While James Harden played the shooting guard position throughout the majority of his career, last season showed that he is a point guard in a shooting guard's body. Harden needs the ball in his hands and needs to be set free to either score or create plays for his teammates.
Sending Harden back to the shooting guard position might not work out too terribly well.
Last season, Harden averaged 29.1 points per game to go along with 11.2 assists and 8.1 rebounds per game. He shot 44.0 percent from the floor and knocked down 34.7 percent of his three-point attempts. Those numbers at the point guard position were dominant, to say the least.
Changing something that isn't broken can be dangerous. Hopefully for the Rockets, Harden will be able to adjust to not being the primary point guard next season.
Feb 24, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) in action against the San Antonio Spurs during the third quarter at Staples Center. The San Antonio Spurs won 105-97. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
4. Chris Paul doesn't play without the basketball
Just like moving Harden off the point guard position could be a problem, asking Paul to allow Harden to play with the ball in his hands could be an issue. Paul is used to dominating the ball a the primary point guard, but that won't be the case in Houston all the time.
CP3 will have to get used to playing away from the ball and getting open looks by moving without the basketball.
Taking a backseat to Harden won't be an easy change for him to make. Paul is known for his ability to create his own shot, just like Harden. That could cause both players to struggle scoring the ball.
While Paul could have some issues not being a ball-dominant point guard, he is a superstar for a reason. If he can adjust his game to fit alongside Harden, the Rockets are going to have one of the top backcourt duos in the league.
May 11, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) warms up prior to game six of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
3. Potential chemistry problems off the floor
Changing a players game can always end up backfiring in a big way. Some players will become disgruntled with their role or begin disliking one of their teammates who may be taking the role that they have been used to playing throughout their career.
Paul and Harden are not bad guys away from the court, but there are chemistry problems that could arise by asking them both to change how they play.
Both players are used to being the dominant guard on the floor for their team. Paul was asked to score and facilitate to the offense in Los Angeles, while Harden was asked to do the same for the Rockets last season. Problems could occur if one of the two doesn't like how the other is running the offense at any given time.
There is a good chance that the two will have no problems with each other since they worked together to make this deal happen, but it is certainly something to keep an eye on.
Nov 30, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Houston Rockets guard Ty Lawson (3) dribbles the ball during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 116-105. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
2. Bad past experiences
Just a couple years back, Ty Lawson was acquired by the Houston Rockets. It was a deal that many thought would take the Rockets back into contention. Unfortunately, Lawson and Harden did not end up meshing well together.
Lawson is nowhere near the player that Paul is, but bad past experiences are certainly concerning.
Some believe that Lawson was simply playing bad basketball during his stint with the Rockets. He also struggled later on that season after being bought out and signed by the Indiana Pacers.
Whether that situation foreshadows what will happen with Paul and Harden or not, it is too early to tell. That being the case, Harden did not play well with a ball-dominant point guard the first time around, even when everyone thought the two would play well together.
James Harden
May 7, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) celebrates after making a three point basket during the third quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in game four of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
1. Similarities will reduce each player's effectiveness
Having two players that do the same kind of things is never an ideal situation. While there are definite differences in Harden and Paul, there are many similarities as well.
Harden is known for creating his own shot and getting into the paint. Paul is known for creating his own shot, especially breaking down his defender off the dribble and pulling up for a midrange jumper. Becoming a one-on-one offense is definitely a concern for the Rockets.
Mike D'Antoni's offense could help prevent some of the issues that will come from having similar games. Harden and Paul will get out and run and do their best to create plays for themselves, each other, and the teammates around them.
It will be interesting to see how this situation ends up working out. Harden and Paul will be an entertaining duo to watch, but there are many different reasons that they might not work out.
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