[Amick/TheAthletic] Fertitta discusses the Westbrook trade and why it made sense

i don't think you understand how mentors work.

So now the mentee just forgets what the mentor taught him?

 

I think part of that has to do with the system that was put into place with paul coming on board. It is a lot harder to change style of play mid season when you know it will only need to be short term. I think the style of play that the team will incorporate now that paul is gone and westbrook is on board is going to lend to a faster pace

 

I think one of the things that isn't talked about is Harden's defensive improvements the last 2 years. Remember that was one of the things that we thought paul might help with and hold Harden accountable on defense when no one else really could (including McHale) It will be interesting to see if Harden regresses any on that side of the ball now that his running mate is even less concerned about D then he is.

 

well yeah, but that's only bc wb can play out of control for much of the game and knows only 1 speed. doesn't necessarily mean a drastic faster pace is going to translate for the betterment of the team as a whole. the rockets were an absolute championship team playing the way they did with cp3 here in year 1. so winning with the pace they played at wasn't an issue. remains to be seen what kind of team this is

 

This dude on First Take right now, in studio...he sure does love to talk.

 

There is only one person in the entire world that will decide at what pace the Rockets play.....

 

Or we could learn what we already knew... James Harden doesn't need a mentor on the court with him.

 

Lol its any teams, fos, gms priority to get the best return for what their giving up 40m and 2 1st round picks. Not get the best destination. You think a better destination had a similar or better offer?