I don't know about you guys but I'm seeing a very positive thing here. Anderson and Ariza may average around 30 to 35 points together a game because of CP3. With this possibly happening i see that alone helping us get to game 7 against GS Warriors.
His biggest and most important impact will be on Harden. By bringing the ball up half the time takes alot of stress off Harden which by the means James will be fresher. Bringing the ball up might not look that hard but if you half that each game that adds up by season end and less stress on James and alows Harden to be fresher in the 4th and the playoffs.
CP can only create shots for them not shot for them. All I know is that Anderson at home is useless and when Ariza has an off shooting night it stays off for the whole game.
I agree with the other poster, Cp3's impact on Gordon and Anderson isn't that different from Harden's impact on them. Instead, Cp3's biggest impact is on Harden. While Harden has put up amazing stats being the sole creator on the offense, it takes a toll on him mentally and he starts being lazy as the game goes on, making bad passes and going into hero balk mode. Having cp3 there allows Harden to take breaks and clear his mind. Not only that, having another superstar who is happy to take the last shot take a lot of the mental pressure off him during close games.
What we are seeing is CP3's ability to hit shooters perfectly in their shot pocket. His ability to do so is rivaled only by LeBron. I remember hearing a podcast where a Cavs beat reporter talked about how when a teammate arrived on a LeBron team he would study how they shoot and where the ball needs to be for their best percentage shot. I don't know whether he picked this up from CP3, but it's clear that they both do it. Every shot is in rhythm, every shot can be quick release because there is no bending over to scoop a low pass or jumping to catch a high one. Essentially, CP3 is throwing these guys batting practice location pitches and all they have to do is swing away. Very, very exciting considering the pedigree of some of our shooters
yeah tha happens when 1 person is tasked to literally asked to carry a team offensively (to the tune of producing an NBA record 56.6 points per game, combined scoring and passing / 1.5 points produced per possesion) night in and night out..
I don't think he'll take shots away from gordon. He will reduce Gordon's need to be a playmaker on the 2nd unit and that's a good thing. A few more open shots for Flash in rhythm and a few less Gordon Iso's is good stuff. If he's not getting calls on penetration, it can really mess with his head. Now we have insurance against that.
right now, Harden tops the league in Total Drives (200 more than KD & Klay, 150 more than Curry, 100 more than Lebron, 30 more than WB) , Total Points off Drives, second to Wall in Assists off Drives, and tied with DeRozan on getting fouled off drives and most importantly committing Turnovers off drives at a lower rate than KD, WB, Giannis, Wall, Wiggins, Davis, DeRozan, George, Butler, Klay, Ego
Don't confuse lazy handles with suspect handles. Harden has amazing handles. It is a huge part of why his change of pace works so well. What does sometimes happens however is that he loses focus and dribbles onto his foot or just flat out loses the ball sometimes, but this is behavior you see from even the absolute best ball handlers. We've all seen CP3, Irving, and Curry do this.
This is exactly where i was trying to go with this thread. It's amazing how CP3 and Lebron can do this. Very underrated skill.
Also we'e going to get the three-guard lineup going.....most likely down the stretch too. Each player at 32 minutes is all the backcourt minutes. This will push Harden down to the three defensively for 4-6 minutes (like I say hopefully crunch time). Harden, Paul, and Gordon have to be considered probable closers in any close game, especially against the dubs, spurs, celts, cavs, etc. Leave Ariza/Tucker/Capela/Anderson/Luc as matchup options for the last two spots. Lots of defensive flexibility and offensive spacing. Nothing but good.
Suspect? No way. his problem is that sometimes he gets lazy with the dribble and he is constantly driving into traffic and has defenders all over him Harden has the highest usage rate of his career, the highest assist percentage of his career, but has his reduced his turnover percentage from 19.5% to 16.6%
Harden been giving that dude Anderson open 3s all the time. The point is he sucks and cant make crap when it counts.
He has played 54 minutes so far, he has 20 assists and 2 turnovers. Just wait until he gets comfortable. He relentless pressure these 2 are gonna put on opponents will be something to behold. 48 minutes of super elite playmaking, and each guy will have the smallest workload they have had in years.
