NBA: 10 bold predictions for the 2017-18 campaign

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 16: Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during Game Two of the NBA Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on May 16, 2017 in Oakland, 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

5 of 11

HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 25: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets waits on the court in front of Chris Paul #3 of the Los Angeles Clippers during their game at the Toyota Center on February 25, 2015 in Houston, Texas. 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 Scott Halleran/Getty Images) /

Harden and Paul both post doubledigit assists numbers

Now that Chris Paul is in the house, Houston Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni has two top-5 point guards at his disposal. His free-wheeling offensive system relies on moving the ball fast and splitting the defense for a drive or a kick out to the shooters. Paul has a career average of 9.9 assists per game while Harden averaged 11.2 dimes last year, his only season as a primary ball handler.

Now, you might be tempted to think that playing together, they will have fewer chances to make plays, because one of them will have to settle for the 2-guard position. On the other hand though, there is nothing stopping them from taking turns initiating the offense, startling their opponents and forming a two-headed assist monster.

Furthermore, D’Antoni will be able to adjust his rotation accordingly and always have either Paul or Harden lead the bench squad, resulting in even more assists generated against weaker opposition.

Home/NBA News