For the Houston Rockets, James Harden’s smooth transition into becoming the team’s starting point guard has resulted in a surge of unexpected success.
Once doubted by many, the Rockets have quietly become one of the league’s most formidable teams. Their stellar 33-13 record ranks fourth in the league and third in the West, with most of their success coming from one of two standout MVP candidates in James Harden.
Coming into the season, Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni came up with a risky plan: DevelopnJames Harden, a scoring shooting guard, into a starting point guard.
The thought seemed like a head-scratcher to many, including James Harden himself.
Following from Bleacher Report:
Hey, James, I think you should become a point guard. […] “I thought he was crazy,” says Harden, who earned his stardom at shooting guard.
You know, James, you could be the second player ever to lead the league in points and assists. […] “Once again, I thought he was crazy,” Harden says wryly.
“People always ask, ‘You traded for him; did you know he was this good?’” (GM Daryl) Morey says. “I’m like, ‘F–k no!’ I mean, we thought he was extremely good and better than other teams probably did.”
The decision to play James Harden at point guard has done wonders for this Houston Rockets team, turning them into a legit contender in the West. Harden is averaging a career-high in assists per game with 11.6, and is widely believed to be a top Most Valuable Player candidate.
Harden, like most other critics, originally laughed at the vision coach Mike D’Antoni had. But for now, Harden, like those other critics, remain silent, watching in awe as the Rockets decimate opponents with their high-octane offensive superpowers; Led by James Harden himself.
