Chicago Bulls legend and NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen thinks James Harden has to let Russell Westbrook run the Houston Rockets' offense.
Pippen says Harden isn't a natural point guard and is more effective as a shooting guard since he's a better shooter and scorer than Westbrook.
Because James Harden and Russell Westbrook are ball-dominant players, many pundits believe the Rockets are going to turn into a “my turn, your turn” type of offense.
The Rockets would be wise to make Westbrook the full-time point guard and Harden the full-time shooting guard. Westbrook is more explosive than Harden and can break defenses down by attacking the basket with his elite speed, which will free up Harden for wide-open looks from the perimeter.
Westbrook isn’t a reliable shooter from the 3-point line. Teams are likely going to be content with leaving Westbrook open from deep if Harden collapses the defense on his drives to the hoop.
The one thing the Rockets have going for them is they have surrounded Westbrook and Harden with shooters such as Austin Rivers, Eric Gordon, Gerald Green and PJ Tucker (from the corner). There should be a good amount of driving lanes for Westbrook and Harden to attack as a result.
Harden has led the NBA in scoring the past two seasons, while Westbrook has averaged a triple-double three seasons in a row. Westbrook is one of the most athletic players in the game. He’s a blur in the open court, impossible to stay in front of and can get to the rim at will while finishing in heavy traffic.
The Rockets finally have an athletic point guard on the roster and Scottie Pippen believes Houston will be more lethal on offense if it gives the keys to Westbrook.
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