Rockets Head Coach Reveals Plans For James Harden And Russell Westbrook

Entering into the new season, the Houston Rockets have a host of front-office changes. From the GM to the coaches, they have new faces all around. The main goal for them will be to improve in the playoffs and get the best out of their two superstars, James Harden and Russell Westbrook.

New assistant coach Stephen Silas was introduced just a week ago, but he already has plans to unlock his stars. Last season, former coach Mike D’Antoni just made them iso and rack up three-pointers, but that didn’t work out well.

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Stephen Silas: A man with a plan

During a recent interview, Silas was asked about the strengths of his star players when they play together.

Silas replied, “When they are on the floor together, it is part of a grand scheme or system. (We need to figure) out ways to get them the ball early in possessions, where they are not having teams load up on them or having a set defense. So as the ball is coming up the floor, a little pass ahead, and now they are attacking gaps against a defense that isn’t set.

“The other way is to skip the ball. So when the ball is coming one side, you skip and now you’re playing against closeouts. They’re both really good against closeouts, where they can attack gaps. They both pass the ball well and have spot-up shooters on the floor.”

Will James Harden and Russell Westbrook combine better now?

Last season, Harden and Westbrook had an offense where they took turns to iso and try to score. It worked for them in the regular season, but in the playoffs, it blew up in their face. So heading into the upcoming season with a better plan was a must for them.

Silas already seems confident about his stars and knows how to unlock their best. It will be interesting to see how things play out for them. With the Western Conference getting tougher, the Rockets have to keep up and equip themselves to do better, especially in the playoffs.

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