How Does the Addition of Chris Paul Affect the Houston Rockets?

With the Houston Rockets acquiring Chris Paul, did Daryl Morey just form the best backcourt in the NBA?

What seemed like a dream became a reality this week. Chris Paul is, indeed, on the Houston Rockets. One more time. CP3 is a Rocket. While the asking price was steep, it should prove to be worth it for the Rockets and their championship hopes. With the free agency frenzy set to begin this Saturday, Houston has been at the center of many rumors. However, this is a great start to the offseason.

Chris Paul and James Harden were determined to play together, and found a way with Rockets-Clippers trade agreed upon today.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) June 28, 2017

While the bench took a bit of a hit, the Houston Rockets look like a team where players want to come play. With the addition of CP3, filling the bench won’t be so difficult. More importantly, the Rockets now have a dynamic backcourt. But just how dangerous can they be together? That question won’t be answered until the start of the season.

With what is currently present, let’s see how this duo could be the best backcourt in the league.

What does Chris Paul add to the Houston Rockets?

First of all, the Rockets got an all-around playmaker. A great midrange game, finisher at the rim, can shoot the three, and just made his 9th all defensive team. What we basically have here is a combo of Patrick Beverley’s defense and Lou Williams’s offense. This acquisition also means that the Rockets can have a playmaker on the court for most of the game. There will be less pressure and fewer minutes for James Harden.

Another piece to this puzzle is the attraction of other free agents. Due to the dominance of the Golden State Warriors, teams around the league are scrambling to create a team capable of beating them. However, when you have CP3 and Harden, it’s tough not to consider Houston as a destination to win. Who wouldn’t want to play with two playmakers, the sixth man of the year, and the coach of the year? Kyle Lowry and Blake Griffin may no longer be options, however, the Rockets remain determined to get Paul George or Paul Millsap.

If the Houston Rockets are to acquire another piece, via trade or free agency, it has to feel great playing with two dynamic guards. Harden can still handle the ball when Paul goes to the bench and vice versa. Also, Harden can return to being more of an off-ball guard and slash into the paint much like his days in Oklahoma City.

Can this partnership work?

Apparently, these two really wanted to play together. Chemistry will be vital to the team’s success. This duo has the potential to be the best backcourt in the NBA. Where else will you find two guards who can pass, handle the ball, finish at the rim, and shoot the ball well? Both command extreme attention by opposing defenses. Paul helps Harden on defense and can create twice as many opportunities for the role players around them. Most importantly, CP3 has a desire to win. Paul and Harden are on a mission together. For that reason alone I believe this partnership will work.

https://twitter.com/HoustonRockets/status/880491479780732928

That’s right. Welcome, Chris Paul. Clint Capela will be the happiest center in the league. So many lobs, he’ll unleash dunk after dunk on the NBA next season. Get excited, Red Nation! This could be the start of a new super team. And it’s being formed in Houston.

?? @CP3 @JHarden13 pic.twitter.com/4NQ3E6LI8w

— Clint Capela (@CapelaClint) June 29, 2017

Next: The More Point Guards the Better