So if you’re a Rockets fan…last night was pretty dadgum good. It’s “just preseason,” BUT it looks like the new HC knows what he’s doing. I never cared for the previous HC. This team was FUN to watch last night. FUN. And they didn’t even have their big free agent acquisition, Christian Wood (Center) and they still blew the doors off the Bulls. I think they made like 24 3-point shots too.
First video is a good “primer” for you if you’ve wondered, or heard vague things about the drama surrounding James Harden. He’s contemplating moving on to a new team. Last night was a good look at the team WITHOUT Harden, and also without the new Center (Christian Wood). Again, it’s just preseason but the early sneak preview sure looks promising.
Second video is the actual highlights from the game. Cousins is not a speedster, OK? What he is, however, is a very savvy player who knows how to work younger opposing players and beat them with a variety of set-ups. And, he’s strong. John Wall looked like what Westbrook would look like if Westbrook played within himself (with control, instead of like a maniac) and also if Westbrook could actually hit deep jumpers and 3’s like Wall can.
There’s no telling if Harden liked enough of what he saw and it convinced him that this team is just as much of a contender as some Eastern Conference team might be. Then again, some fans speculate that’s why he wants to go to an Eastern Conference team (Nets, Heat, 76ers) because the East doesn’t have…LeBron and Anthony Davis (the Lakers). It’s an easier path, in Harden’s mind, to get to an actual NBA Finals for once in his career. That’s one theory.
Another theory is that James doesn’t like to be one of the team; he likes to BE the team–He likes to be a veritable player-coach who gets to essentially run the show. The new HC ain’t gonna’ be about that type of situation, unlike the previous HC who IMO can’t coach basketball (TEAM basketball) worth a flying flip.
Whatever the outcome, whether Harden stays or leaves, this is the most excited I have been to watch the Rockets on a regular basis since…well, I can’t remember when. Wall and Cousins are good leaders on the floor. Gerald Green (Houston native, and often called “Mayor Green” by Rockets fans) is back to his old self, too. Eric Gordon looks better than he did last season. And Silas, the new HC, is moving the ball and everyone gets to actually PLAY ball. What do you think about it all?