Houston Rockets: Does Chris Paul Even Fit With the Team?

If the team pulls off acquiring CP3, will he fit into the Rockets’ system?

The first piece of big 2017 offseason news broke for the Rockets yesterday. The team is going to get the chance to have a meeting with All-Star point guard Chris Paul. An addition of more star talent is exactly what the Rockets need to help them compete. While actually getting CP3 to sign a contract with us is fairly unlikely, it is good to know that Daryl Morey is still in attack mode this summer. It is also worth noting that Chris Paul was set to join the Rockets in 2013 before a coaching change was made in Los Angeles.

Chris Paul Was Set To Sign With Rockets In 2013 Before Doc Rivers Joined Clippers (old news relevant again): https://t.co/hRdctJFnRh pic.twitter.com/ZqOqwMsYh3

— RealGM (@RealGM) June 15, 2017

While this news does not guarantee that Chris Paul is coming to Houston, it certainly helps the odds. The question that now arises is whether or not he would even fit with the Rockets. Let’s look at both sides of the argument.

Why he would not fit with the Rockets

The reason that Chris Paul may not fit with the team begins and ends with one person: James Harden. Ever since joining the team in 2012, Harden has been the primary ballhandler for the Rockets and has excelled. If Chris Paul joins the conversation, would the Beard be willing to become only a part-time point guard? The same goes for Chris Paul, the offense has run through him with every team for which he has played.

The two alpha dog players may clash if they were put on the same team. The struggle to figure out who takes the big shots or who controls the ball more may cause tension between the superstars. If the two do not figure this dilemma out fast, then the consequences would be dire for the Rockets.

Why he fits great with the Rockets

A popular argument as to why Paul would not fit here that is going around is that the Rockets have already tried to put another ballhandler with Harden in the past and it did not work. However, like I said in the original CP3 post, Chris Paul is not even close to the same skill level as a Ty Lawson or Jeremy Lin. He is a pass-first point guard who makes his teammates better. Last year, the Paul had an insane +19.6 ORtg with him on the court vs. off of it. CP3 has always found ways to make his teams better, so if anyone can make sure the ballhandling is split fairly with Harden, it’s him.

Chris Paul is also a fantastic defender. He has been on an All-Defensive team 8 times in his career and has always been a pesky matchup. He can help the Rockets even more by bringing some rest for Harden. Instead of the Beard playing 36+ minutes a night, having another ball-dominant guard can be a nice relief to Harden. The team would not suffer with Harden on the bench, something much needed for the Rockets.

So what is your opinion on the Chris Paul matter? Be sure to vote in our Twitter poll and follow us while you’re there!

Do you think that Chris Paul would fit well with the #Rockets?

— Space City Scoop (@SpaceCity_Scoop) June 16, 2017

*All stats via Basketball-Reference*

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