How Russell Westbrook may be key to the Rockets reinvention

Westbrook is a Rocket for at least another season, so hope that another season will improve his chemistry with Harden and rest of Rockets. People forget that Russ was new to Rockets and was coming off major surgery, then recovering from Covid-19 and quad injury heading into postseason. Not being able to play back to backs was huge negative for Rockets team trying to integrate 2nd best player (not to mention not having 3rd/4th best players at 100% - Clint & EGo - for much of season).

Offensive AND defensive system continuity would also be very helpful but that will depend on the HC hired.

And would prefer the major talent infusion at beginning of the season rather than at trade deadline for better integration.

Other than that, it is what it is.

 

i noticed this early in the season as well (fakers scrubs playing well above normal scrub level) and thought perhaps it has to do w/ the safety net of refaid. if you already know that missing any shot is never going to cost you the game, then you shoot loosey goosey freestroking w/ confidence

 

its perhaps something right up this alley

 

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His chemistry with Harden was great especially during his epic run. The problem stems from the COVID break and the fact he got it and then his issues were compounded with the quad injury and his horrible decision making. It truly was a storm of everything that could go wrong did go wrong.

I don’t Think Russ has any chemistry issues. He is a great dude on and off the court

 

Brodie and Beard love and respect one another, no debate.

But their games can absolutely mesh better. Russ run of 30 pt games coincided with Harden's slump. Even in the bubble before Westbrook quad injury, both were still not clicking offensively at same time.

This is the chemistry I speak of.

 

The key to Rockets reinvention is a coach that can maximize both Harden and Westbrook.

Small ball should still be used to end quarters, start halves and end close games.

Switch everything should also not be used all game. Only when Rockets need critical stops or maintain big leads.

Rockets need an assistant that is able to successfully incorporate some of the zone defenses that Heat/Raptors/Celtics utilize as well as the switch everything defense.

This would require yet another roster shake up. Not necessarily a huge roster change.