It was announced on July 11 that Russell Westbrook has been traded to the Houston Rockets for Chris Paul. Westbrook is now reuniting with former Oklahoma City Thunder teammate, James Harden. But is this a good or bad thing for the Rockets? As a Houston native and Rockets fan, I'm excited but skeptical.
Westbrook lost to the Trailblazers last season in the playoffs by a buzzer-beater from Damian Lillard, while the Rockets lost to the Golden State Warriors again. Harden and Westbrook have both had struggles in pursuing an NBA Championship. Will this teaming up fix that? Both players have been primary ball-handlers for their team and shoot the most. Harden and Westbrook have similar player MO's, so will that team up well during the season?
If you look at Russell's history, he was the last man standing in the Westbrook-Durant-Harden era. Harden was traded to the Rockets from the Thunder in 2012. Kevin Durant left him for Golden State, so he got Victor Oladipo, who then left. After that, he got Paul George who just recently left and is joining Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers. See the pattern? Most people see him as a "toxic teammate" and feel like he's the problem. I think Westbrook has a strong personality and just doesn't like to lose, almost as if he takes it personally when it happens, and some people can't handle that. But you can't blame the guy for wanting to win.
The Rockets have struggled with getting past the Warriors in the playoffs in the past. But now with that dynasty over and Westbrook joining, they could make a good contender for a Championship. Chris Paul just wasn't really living up to what people thought he would when he came to Houston. Getting older and being injured just isn't what the Rockets need if they want to win. Westbrook brings a lot to the table. He plays aggressive and can defend. He just will need to learn to share the ball with Harden. Joining James Harden, PJ Tucker, Eric Gordon, and Clint Capela it will be an interesting starting lineup. With the Western Conference being stacked this coming season, it will be interesting to see it all unfold.
I think the Rockets made a smart choice with this trade, getting Westbrook for Chris Paul, but parts of me are still skeptical to see how it will work out.
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