17 Comments
 

Harden is going to have to change his style completely if he wants to make this partnership work with CP3, so it really depends on Harden's willingness to adjust to a different style of play as well as D'Antoni's ability to find a system that'd work for both of those guys. Also, Houston lost their depth with this trade which was a big reason why they were so good last year compared to prior years, so I'm not sure if this trade will be as beneficial as a lot of people think.

 
"hungry23" Harden is going to have to change his style completely if he wants to make this partnership work with CP3, so it really depends on Harden's willingness to adjust to a different style of play as well as D'Antoni's ability to find a system that'd work for both of those guys. Also, Houston lost their depth with this trade which was a big reason why they were so good last year compared to prior years, so I'm not sure if this trade will be as beneficial as a lot of people think.

Harden only made the switch to PG last year.

He's also played with KD and Westbrook before, FYI.

 

You're right, but his style has arguably changed a lot ever since he signed with Houston. It'll be interesting to see how it pans out for them, but without Bev and those quality role players Harden will only have CP3 to rely on if he has an off day which can create a big challenge going forward, especially in the playoffs. Personally, I'd rather have depth than an extra star player.

 

CP3 will be just fine, he will elevate everyone's game. Can't wait for next season, and @hightheta01" is correct, a smooth 3 point making, rebounding, defending PF would complete this squad. Ibaka or Millsap would be very welcome. Rockets baby!

Array
 

I hate the fit of this Trade. How does CP3, who is a mid-range god, fit into the Mike D'Antoni 3's and layups system. Plus both Harden and CP need the ball in their hand constantly to playmake. I mean another superstar can't hurt but I could see this being a hard fit for a while into the regular season until Harden and CP can change their styles as well as MDA changing his coaching style(which I actually don't see happening).

 

Chris Paul shot 43%+ on catch and shoot 3s this past season. Harden doesn't HAVE to play point guard, and I could easily see them only being with each other on the court 2/3 of their total minutes.

Array
 

You're right about Harden not having to play PG. I think them being together on the court only 2/3 of the time does remedy the situation slightly, but to that point the Rockets just traded away their depth to have non compatible teammates. I guess my point is if this works out it would be glorious especially since I love CP3 and Harden, but I don't want to see them hinder each other's game or mess up D'Antoni's system which is probably one of the most fun things to watch in the NBA.

 
Best Response

One of the main reasons the Rockets lost to the Spurs was because Pop decided he was going to dare the Rockets to shoot midrange jumpers. He'd pack the paint with a big to block layups and double-team shooters around the arc, basically saying "shoot all the midrange jumpers you want, we're not guarding them."

The Rockets refused to take the midrange shots and instead settled for congested layups and double-teamed threes, which they made at a reduced clip.

If you insert Chris Paul into that lineup and let him take that midrange jumper near the end of the shot clock when other options haven't worked, I think that could be a much-needed release valve that could counter the above strategy. CP3 is a prolific midrange shooter and will make teams pay if they constantly leave him open.

 

To me, this is less of a "fit" move and more of a "lets find James some help" move. The man was absolutely exhausted after every playoff game. CP serving as the primary ball handler will help Harden immensely. JH can also be more of a catch-and-shoot guy when he wants to be. I also think Mike D will like CP, great locker room guy, can shoot the 3, can find other guys in the paint easily.

 

Will the trade make the Rockets better overall? Yes. Will it raise their seed position in the west? No. If they didn't give up the depth of Pat Beverley and Lou Will (everybody sleeps on em), it might be a different story.

What they really need is a skilled big man that Harden can run the P&R with. Clint Capella and Nene can't be the best they can find. They tried with Dwight, but he's a cancer to any team that takes him.

But who knows, Mikey D is a mastermind and loose cannon. May shake things up in the wild west.

Also, surprised the Clips didn't push for Ariza to be slipped into this deal. They've struggled at the SF spot (and just cut The Truth).

 

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