3. The Russell Westbrook-James Harden experience: Good or bad?
Woah boy, here we go. This is either going to be incredible or go down in flames more glorious than any NBA duo in history. Russell Westbrook is used to having the ball in his hands, a lot. In fact, his 41.65 usage percentage during his 2017 MVP season is highest in NBA history for a single season. Guess where James Hardens 2018 MVP season ranks on that list? You guessed it, second place (they have 4 of the top 10 between the two of them). Houston, we might have a problem?
On the other hand, these are two of the most dynamic players the NBA has ever seen. Westbrook is quite possibly the most athletic point guard the NBA has ever seen (Derrick Rose?). Even following multiple knee operations, his end to end speed is still unmatched, and he’s fully capable of taking on bigs with a blink of an eye rim rockers when a lane is given. Say nothing of his three straight years averaging a triple-double.
All James Harden did last year was average 36 points per game, the highest number in a single season since Michael Jordan in 1986-87. His perfection of the step-back 3 combined with his fantastic handle, ability to draw fouls, and somehow still overlooked passing ability have made him possibly the most complete offensive player in the league.
So how do they fit? Mike D’Antoni will almost certainly stagger their playing time, much like he did with Harden and Chris Paul. But they will have to be on the floor together in crunch time which will be the real test. Harden can play off the ball. He did it in Oklahoma City and he’s a good enough spot-up shooter. Westbrook must at least be serviceable in catch and shoot situations. He can’t put his head down and drive for contested layups or tough pull up jumpers when things get tough. And Harden can’t clear out and Isolate in the same situation.
None of this even addresses their defensive shortcomings. Westbrook has always looked the part of a good defender, but the numbers haven’t always agreed. He’s always been good for a few steals, but he gambles too much and gets beat off the dribble far too often. Harden once had a 6-minute YouTube video about how bad he was on that end (No, really). He’s not that guy anymore.
He tries now, and is a well above average post defender, due to incredible strength. He also is adept at swiping for steals and playing the passing lanes. But he’s still a sub-par 1-on-1 defender on the perimeter when isolated on an island. They’re not terrible. But, they’re not good either.
Look, these guys are good. All-time good, even. This team took the Warriors to the brink just two years ago. Prime Paul is better than prime Westbrook, but Paul wasn’t in his prime in Houston. Westbrook might not be anymore either, but this version of Westbrook is better than Paul was. There’s a route to success. There’s also a route to disaster. Get your popcorn ready.