The Houston Rockets Demise

With the acquisition of Russell Westbrook, the Houston Rockets are looking at unprecedented territory. This new NBA duo is use to having the ball in their hand all the time. Over the last 5 NBA seasons Westbrook and Harden have been one and two in a variety of categories, usage rate, points, assists, steals, field goals attempts, and free throws. Westbrook and Harden are use to having the ball in their hands a majority of the time, with these two now on the same team they will have to learn how to compromise on the court.

These two players are going to have to learn how to play without the ball. Both Westbrook and Harden are often criticized for their off-ball play. Westbrook has potential to becoming the best slasher in the NBA, if he can learn how to move better without the ball. With Westbrook's athleticism he can easily catch alley-oops and be hard for any player to defend the entire game. James Harden could become a lot better at his off-ball play also, he is a phenomenal shooter and has the chance to become even more unguardable. If Harden could learn from Stephen Curry off-ball play, he could learn how to keep moving without stopping. Curry is constantly moving and is always getting wide open 3's, if Harden could learn from this he could become the most unstoppable force in the league.

The best solution for the Rockets could be that Russell Westbrook's and James Harden's would be to do what they did when Chris Paul was on the team. Westbrook and Harden should have their minutes so they only play 18-20 minutes max together, the rest of the game they should make sure at least Harden or Westbrook is on the floor at all times.

Ultimately if the Rocket's don't come up with a plan on how to successfully play James Harden and Russell Westbrook this experiment could blow up this team. James Harden is coming off of the 2nd highest usage rate of all-time, the highest usage rate of all-time is Westbrook during the 2016-2017 season where he won MVP.

The Rockets now have two former MVP's on their team and have potential to make this team something special. With that being said, this experiment could blow up in everyones face and potentially get the Rocket's Head  Coach and General Manager fired if this doesn't work out. I believe in them to figure this out, but the first few months will be very rocky.