Houston Rockets: 4 reasons why the Harden/Westbrook pairing will work

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HOUSTON, TX – APRIL 07: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder brings the ball down the court defended by Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets in the second half at Toyota Center on April 7, 2018 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 Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

The Houston Rockets have made their splash move of the summer by trading for Westbrook. Many are questioning whether he will work in Houston alongside Harden.

The Houston Rockets made a huge, and somewhat controversial, move when they traded Chris Paul for Russell Westbrook. A lot of the media have had issues with the trade, but let’s talk about some reasons why it will work for the team.

Yes the Rockets like to dial it up from deep, which is not a strength of Westbrook’s. However, as I wrote previously, it’s not exactly a deficiency either as Westbrook shot better in the post-season from 3 than Chris Paul, the guy he’s replacing. James Harden will surely draw double teams and Westbrook will be wide open behind the line shooting uncontested.

Westbrook also will be the ying to Harden and the Rockets’ yang. The Rockets will keep firing from deep and Westbrook likes to hustle on the boards and chase rebounds, which will create second chance shots. Westbrook finished second amongst all point guards in offensive rebounds per game, only behind Ben Simmons.

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