Dec 13, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) celebrates after a three point basket against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Houston Rockets defeated the Golden State Warriors 116-112. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Rockets
Question: Will the Rockets be better with James Harden playing more off the ball after the Ty Lawson trade?
James Harden dominates the ball and is the number one facilitator for his team. He creates his own offense and created the most teammate three point opportunities in the league this past season based on the attention he demands from defenses. It’ll be interesting to see how he plays off the ball with Ty Lawson running the point.
Space City Scoop
While not the defender Patrick Beverley is, Lawson is easily more offensively gifted. He can get to the basket and score over larger defenders, frequently boasts one of the league’s highest assist per game averages, and cannot be left open to shoot. While Harden will still draw doubles, defenders will be forced to choose and will often leave Lawson open instead.
Or perhaps Ty Lawson can run around screens a la Richard Hamilton, or play off the ball like Jason Terry did for the Rockets, while Harden remains in control of the offense. It’ll be interesting to see how opposing defenses react, and also how Lawson’s presence will affect the Rockets’ defense.
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