I think some of ya'll are being way too harsh on CP3. He hasn't been great but he's not the biggest problem with this team right now. The Rockets are better with him than without. With that said... That is correct. CP3 is noticeably declining this season. In addition to his age, all the injuries he's accumulated during his career are adding up and have taken a toll on his body (and possibly his mind, too). He has the type of game and mentality that leads to a decline in one's early-mid 30s, similar to Tony Parker, Westbrook, etc.
Games would not be this close without cp3. From the point harden went out with an eye injury until he came back, the rockets were +5 thanks to cp3. The year before cp3 the rockets couldn't even beat the spurs without kawhi
Hes still really good. But he is no longer aggressive as a scorer. He defers to Austin ****ing Rivers. It makes me sick.
He isn’t the problem or even the 2nd or 3rd worst. Rebounding, defense, and playing with heart are the issues and any one contributing to those weaknesses. Paul offsets numerous weaknesses of Harden, that we have seen many times. We need both Harden and Paul playing well to their strengths and off setting each others weaknesses for this to work. It starts with them two first and trickles down to others. Capela, Green, House, and Faried have been very disappointing on defense, rebounding, and aggressiveness that you need against the Worriers.
I don't think we should keep Harden out longer but let CP3 initiate more maybe. Harden has a 40 usage so far and CP3 23. Something like 35 and 28 might be more ideal. It would make the offense less predictable, faster and keep Harden fresher too.
I understand, I'm not trying to group everyone together. It's just the swing in confidence on these boards is laughable.
Yeah I get it. You see the swing back and forth with so many players after any good or bad game. We have what we have and just need to hope they can find a way to all work towards winning and beating the Warriors Sat, and keep on doing what we are capable of. So close just isn't enough any more. That story gets old. I just want everyone to play their best and we can do this.
I can't think of a single package involving Clint+ that will be better than other offers NOP should get this summer, unfortunately. Obviously AD is a perfect fit next to Harden and CP3. Capela, Tucker, Gordon, 4 future firsts for AD, lol. NOP still says no, imo.
Paul made his career as one of the best pure point guards in history. While the idea that he couldn't co-exist with Harden was always overblown, and they do work fine together, playing with Harden reduces his greatest strength: controlling the ball and the offense. That's what he did until he reached Houston. Harden does it here. Paul makes a fantastic secondary play-maker and it's nice having his "point god" ability on the floor when Harden is sitting--but we play Harden the vast majority of the game and all that time Paul isn't being maximized. It's just the nature of the beast. Paul is a fading great player who can't play to his ultimate strength. He's still a star and valuable to have, but it's not ever going to be like having a prime Chris Paul alongside a prime James Harden.
I don't have a problem with Paul's diminished explosiveness, I have a problem with him averaging 4 TO's a game. If anything, you'd expect a guy with more experience and less aggressiveness to protect the ball better. He has played poorly.
He is kind of like Scarlett Johanson these days. Still good and all but theres been a large decline from their peak bodies
The purpose of Chris Paul is to collect checks. The man got paid. Now all he has to do is show up. Don’t get me wrong; I’ve always loved the guy, but he’s playing EXACTLY as I expected for his age and on his last real contract. Seriously.....who didn’t see this coming?
