Sir Charles in Charge
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NBA: X-Factors for the top 5 teams entering 2017-18

By Morgan Dunn

INDEPENDENCE, OH - SEPTEMBER 7: Isaiah Thomas is introduced as a Cleveland Cavalier at Cleveland Clinic Courts on September 7, 2017 in Independence, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
INDEPENDENCE, OH - SEPTEMBER 7: Isaiah Thomas is introduced as a Cleveland Cavalier at Cleveland Clinic Courts on September 7, 2017 in Independence, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 30: Chris Paul #3 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on during the second half of Game Seven of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center at Staples Center on April 30, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 30: Chris Paul #3 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on during the second half of Game Seven of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center at Staples Center on April 30, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Honorable Mention

Houston Rockets – Chris Paul playing off the ball

Houston made a splash this offseason when they landed Chris Paul, one of the best point guards in the history of the game, via trade for Patrick Beverly, a draft pick and some spare parts. Adding Paul to any team would be a good thing, but the offensive dynamic in Houston may prove a bit tricky.

Houston thrived in head coach Mike D’Antoni’s up-tempo offensive system last season, using James Harden as the point guard, a role in which he flourished and had the best year of his already illustrious career. Then Houston added one of the best point guards in the league. See the issue here?

Harden excelled with the balls in his hands last year, feeding off having total control of the offense. Can Houston continue to run the offense through Harden with CP3 in tow? Paul would have to accept a role playing off the ball much more than he is used to as long as Harden is on the court. Is that a sustainable request for the team to make? There’s certainly reason to have doubts.

Paul’s floor general mentality is both physical and mental. He runs the offense and he tells his teammates what to do, appearing like a drill sergeant at times. Can Harden, a true franchise player, handle a teammate barking at him after each of his patented defensive lapses? Again, there is legitimate reason to have your doubts.

Houston’s potential chemistry issues on the offensive end are a bit worrisome, which is why they don’t earn Top 5 status here and are relegated to an honorable mention.

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