It was evident from the outset that the Rockets didn’t simply want to claim another marquee name when they spread the welcome mat for Russell Westbrook last week. Even as speculation on their interest rose as soon as it became clear that he was on the trading block, their penchant for chasing superstars wasn’t the sole driving force for his arrival. In fact, the benefit of more information and hindsight figures to definitively prove that, above all else, they were angling for addition by subtraction. Erstwhile starter Chris Paul needed to be unloaded after their disappointing showing in the 2019 Playoffs highlighted a deteriorating relationship with top dog James Harden.
Considering the Rockets’ isolation-heavy system and the efficiency with which Harden put up numbers as its primary beneficiary, Paul’s fundamental opposition to it sealed his fate. By all indications, the fact that he voiced his opinions in his typically forceful manner also didn’t help; while it may have been tolerated at best when he was in his prime, it became unacceptable given his status as a poor second in the pecking order. The clincher was, of course, his contract, which had him on the books for $124 million through 2022, by which time he would have been an old and rickety 36.
As a result, the Rockets were only too glad to give up draft picks and swaps for the opportunity to send Paul packing. That Westbrook just so happened to be available was perfect for them. Never mind that his ball-dominant ways seemed to clash with Harden’s, and that his deal figures to be even more of an albatross, with all the aforesaid figures plus another year at a whopping $47 million. Needless to say, they got the imprimatur of their acknowledged leader, whose long relationship with their new acquisition dates back to when “I was, like, 10 years old … It’s going to be a lot of fun this year. I guarantee you that. Believe it.”
Even Rockets fans may want to see the new team-up first before expressing the same level of confidence. Still, there can be no denying that Westbrook represents an upgrade, the apparent erosion in his play over the last two years notwithstanding. Because of his mediocre shooting stats from beyond the three-point arc, he appears to be better positioned as a distributor, with Harden benefiting from his dynamism. Unfortunately, the modification of the setup that twice got them close to defeating the vaunted Warriors requires a drastic change in mindset, not to mention a leap of faith.
Perhaps head coach Mike D’Antoni can get both Harden and Westbrook to subscribe to collective objectives enough for them to willingly sacrifice personal gains. So far, they look ready to try. And, under the circumstances, it’s all the Rockets can hope for. It’s another season and another experiment, and they’re crossing their fingers the wide-open race to the top will finally yield them the outcome they desire.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and Human Resources management, corporate communications, and business development.
