Scouts and assistant coaches from rival teams are skeptical that the Rockets‘ Russell Westbrook–James Harden backcourt pairing will work, Sean Deveney of Heavy.com reports. There is widespread doubt that the two stars will blend their games offensively since Westbrook is poor 3-point shooter and prefers to play at a different pace than Harden. Many of those interviewed also predicted the Rockets’ perimeter defense will decline.
“They’re both hardheaded guys and we know Harden’s history with other players there,” one scout told Deveney.
We have more on the Rockets:
- Owner Tilman Fertitta said he never met Carmelo Anthony and was surprised that his staff decided to part ways with the longtime All-Star after just 10 games last season, he told Ian Begley of SNY. “Basketball ops decided to make a decision and, you know, it kind of surprised me too, as a fan of the Houston Rockets. But I know what I know and I know what I don’t know. And if my basketball ops thought that we should move on, then I sure wasn’t going to tell them not to, even though I thought that Melo’s one the greatest players to ever play the game.”
- It isn’t out of the question that Luc Mbah a Moute will eventually sign with the Rockets, according to Kelly Iko of The Athletic. Currently a free agent, Mbah a Moute decided not to attend a team mini-camp for veteran free agents in Las Vegas. The team had conversations with him over the summer about a possible return but there was lingering doubt about the health, Iko continues. Though the team subsequently signed Thabo Sefolosha, adding Mbah a Moute to shore up wing depth would be ideal, Iko adds.
- The addition of Sefolosha became official on Monday. Get all the details here.
Moute could be a good pick up for the Blazers. A 3/4 that defends well and can space the floor. Sounds like Aminu but cheaper
Portland may not want to add any more players since they have the largest payroll in the NBA along with a $20M luxury tax bill.
That’s true, but next year Bazemore and Whiteside are off the books which will clear almost 50 mil.
I would consider trading Bazemore for Gallonari maybe you give up a couple of second rounders to get it done. I think Gallo would be a great third scoring option on that team. He can handle and create, he can iso up, he can stretch the floor and he can play 3 or 4. I think a line up of Lillard McCollum Hood Gallo and Whiteside would go really good. Collins covers 4/5, Simmons covers 1/2, Hezonja covers 3/4 and then you have role players Little, Gasol, Trent Jr and more. Then once the seasons over you can give Gallo a good deal, he’s 31 so maybe (2y/30m) and still have enough room to resign Whiteside if you want.