Marc Stein: Christopher Paul is already recruiting Lebron

There is legit question about how they can fit but it’s by choice. If harden were willing to do something when he doesn’t have the ball it would be brilliant, but he’s made it clear he’s just not going to engage on offense if he isn’t the one creating.

 

I agree just but isn't this similar to Durant? How many times did we see in the WCF that if Durant didn't get the ball, he just sorta stood there. I remember multiple times CWebb and Reggie saying that KD needs to learn how to play offense when he doesn't have the ball. These guys who are used to be the man when it comes to scoring just decide, sometimes, to sulk a little bit if their number is not called or at least that is what it looks like to me.

 

The only thing that I dont buy is the "only one ball" argument that seems to be popping up like it did last season. I think if anything this playoff run showed him that LeBron needs another ball handler and creator that is at an all-star level. He has had to do everything and his defense has slipped significantly because of it. The dude has put more miles on his body compared to anyone else in the last 5 years and he is about to go into his 16th season. The dude's has kept his body in the best shape of any player since Karl Malone. I think LeBron wants to lower the load on his body. Not play as many minutes and save his body to play both ends of the floor especially in the biggest games.

As for the need shooters concept --- uhm you can't do much better than having Harden and Paul help space the floor for you.

Again it is a long shot and it will require most likely the Cavs' help but I think the Cavs management kind of knows it owes LeBron a solid and wants to save face. The city will not be upset (or they shouldnt be) if he leaves again. But who knows Gilbert is an *******

 

Right but when other guys create and kick to Durant he can be a spot up shooter. Harden won’t even do that. There was some crazy stat about how few times harden was assisted on his points it was crazy

 

I see what you are saying - yes that is a problem.

 

I’m not gonna dismiss what Chris Haynes has to say so readily...he’s not some random or some hack

LeThanos wondering if he can fit with Harden isn’t an outlandish idea...Harden would have to be the #2 guy here, something he has not done since he touched down in H-Town back in 2012...it’s a different dynamic between Harden-CP3 and LeThanos-Harden-CP3

that’s what convos and recruiting pitches are for tho

 

I mean it’s easily fixable of course but harden would have to want to do that. I’m not sure why but he seems to reject that type of role.

 

Wait what? How can you not do that, it's literally just standing there waiting for a pass, could you elaborate on this? when does harden just pass up open spot up shots?

 

I'm not gonna lie.....I would be pretty frustrated with Harden if the reason we don't get LeBron is because he's unwilling to make it work. I understand that this is his team, and that he's the alpha here.....but championships matter, and you don't always have an opportunity to compete for one. It would be short-sighted on his part to not be willing to work it out with LeBron.

Also, isn't this where Chris Paul enters the conversation and tells LeBron about his experience playing with Harden? And how everybody doubted whether THEY would work last year? It seems like a lot of this would be fixed with a simple conversation, and open communication between the 3 of them.

 

No one wants him in Houston execept us

 

difference between Harden-Paul and Bron-Harden-Paul is that CP3 is the 1 who had to take a backseat to Harden...it was still Harden’s team, he was still the guy, he still had his insane usage rate...

if Lebron comes here, it would now be Harden who has to take a backseat for the 1st time since back in his OKC days...it would be Lebron’s team, and Harden would essentially be his Kyrie Irving with CP3 being the 3rd wheel

Kyrie still got plenty of time to shine playing next to Lebron tho

 

I don't really agree with that. If LeBron is coming here, it's because he's acknowledging that he's NOT the alpha dog on this team. He's teaming up with Harden and Paul because of how they made it work last year, and he'd want to be a part of that. I have a feeling if LeBron is still going into this with the mindset that wherever he goes is going to be his team, then Houston simply isn't a viable option. He needs to go to Philly or LA in that case.

With that being said, Harden would absolutely have to sacrifice some of his ball dominance and ISO heavy style of play in order to make it work. It would be incredibly disappointing if he isn't willing to adapt.

 

I agree with @justtxyank about Harden being basically a pole which stays there and watches taking himself out of the offense when he doesn't have the ball, when he made a couple of cuts in the finals the Warriors were pretty much shoked lol. I just hope this is eventually not a big deal for Lebron in the end, i think James is a smart guy and would probably be able to make it work by changing his game a bit.

 

this might just be me, but I don’t see Lebron taking a backseat to Harden who isn’t on his level and doesn’t have anywhere close to his amount of accomplishments

I also have the mindset that it would be best for Harden to be a #2 behind Lebron tho

we’ll see...he hasn’t had the opportunity to break bread with CP3 and Harden and have these type of convos yet

 

Lebron has said he’ll play off the ball more but no way he’s going to be anything but the leader of his next team.

 

this is definitely something all 3 of them will need to talk about amongst themselves. we know cp3 and lebron have a great relationship already. thats far from an issue. its really about harden at this stage of his career and how lebron fits into all this. Bc one things for sure, hou has a formula that is proven to be able to compete and win against GS. More than any other team in this league.

 

3.13.23>>>>>in that order

 

Here’s the real difference between CP coming and LeBron coming.


Imagine a Harden-LeBron pick and roll against a small ball Warriors line up.


I’ll give a little template of what it might look like:

 

If you read this article in between the lines, it's a perfect match for LeBron to come to Houston. Good FO, Good owner so far, and we have some of the smartest players in the NBA in CP3, Harden, Tucker, etc.

 

I want you to imagine a double pick and roll. James Harden or CP3 has the ball, and Lebron and CC are setting picks on both sides of his defender. Clint rolls and Lebron pops both to mismatches. You can hit Lebron on the perimeter and let him take either the C or the PG to the rack or you can feed Clint on the lob..... or you can take it to the rack..... or you can drive and dish to PJ for the corner three...... or you can (Head explodes)