[Shams] Westbrook trying to pull Rockets together, Rockets looking for wing help

After teaming up James Harden with Russell Westbrook, the Houston Rockets have shown flashes where the team appears to have the firepower to compete deep in the Western Conference postseason. There also have been moments of disjointed play and effort, such as a recent stretch of four losses in five games. This recent run has led to a more vocal presence by one of its two stars.

Everyone wondered how the pairing of Harden and Westbrook — two close friends, former Most Valuable Player award winners and NBA leaders in usage rate — would work when Rockets general manager Daryl Morey swung the Chris Paul-for-Westbrook trade in July. Westbrook joined Harden’s team in Houston, with Harden serving as the main usage star, but recently it has been Westbrook who has taken the initiative within the locker room. At practices and with pre- and postgame setting and everything in between, Westbrook has delivered a succinct message to the Rockets, league sources tell The Athletic:

We need to play together and be committed to winning — get out of our individual feelings and have no agendas.

He has said this unabashed to all teammates in the hope of building the proper habits as the season wears on.

Rockets players, coaches and team officials are said to believe that Westbrook’s recent efforts are a strong sign of motivation and leadership. Westbrook wants badly to win, wearing his passion on his sleeve as he always does, and there have been several passionate messages from him in team settings, according to sources. As The Athletic Houston’s Kelly Iko reported, a recent example came on Jan. 15 when Westbrook led a team meeting after a 117-107 home loss to Portland.

Under coach Mike D’Antoni, Houston has an open forum for all, in any setting. The recent losing stretch has led to more dialogue, and often times it has been Westbrook leading the charge, with no signs that Harden is irked by any of it. On the contrary, there’s a renewed closeness between the two. That’s in contrast to last season when Harden and Chris Paul were at odds during some points over how the Rockets played on offense.

“Russell’s a good leader, and we’ve needed the motivation,” one source with knowledge of Westbrook’s message said.

“(Westbrook) has shown his frustration, but the room has needed the message,” another person said.

Ultimately, the Rockets will need Harden to find his shot again, need the team to continue to regain full health and heed Westbrook’s message delivered in recent weeks. Harden has made just 33 of his 111 shot attempts over the past five games, including 11 of 57 from 3-point range.

Westbrook, meanwhile, has been sensational over the past six games: Five 30-point performances, two triple-doubles and shooting 53.8 percent from the field. Eric Gordon is slowly, but surely, finding his touch as the much-needed third option — scoring 25 points and hitting six 3-pointers in Wednesday’s win over Denver.

Rockets coaches have been stressing an emphasis on defense in their messages to players lately, according to sources. And team officials are confident that Harden, Westbrook and Gordon will eventually find their groove at the same time.

PJ Tucker, an essential forward for these Rockets, has dealt with a stinger in his right shoulder since Jan. 11. He has the 2020-21 season remaining on a four-year contract he signed with Houston. And after discussing an extension up until the start of the season, the sides have decided to table discussions until the offseason, according to sources.

In the meantime, Morey and his front office will continue to scour the league for potential upgrades. The Rockets have prioritized a potential wing player acquisition before the Feb. 6 trade deadline, and are continuing to make future draft picks available for an upgrade, sources say.

For now, they will leave a roster spot open as the team is as healthy as it’s been all season.

 

As an introvert, Harden just isn't a vocal leader. He leads more by example and in encouraging guys and teaching.

But sometimes teams need that *vocal guy* and Russ is filling that void.

 

Beggars can't be choosers at this point considering the lack of assets, though.