Improvement of space and projection ability
When the Rockets came to Wesbrook in the offseason last year, it was obvious that his three-point shooting rate would be problematic. At the beginning of the season, Harden's space on the court was limited, and Westbrook's three-point shooting percentage was only 25.8%.
From the basic data alone, Wall's three-point threat is not an upgrade. His career three-point shooting percentage is only 32.4%, slightly higher than Westbrook's 30.5%, but this does not explain everything.
Wall hit 38.5% of the 3-pointers in his career. When Harden plays singles with the ball, Wall can become a threat of outside shooting, while Shao Wei's three-point shooting percentage in his career is only 32.8%, which is obviously not as good as Wall's, and his shooting percentage is even lower in the past two years.
Cousins' arrival added an all-around big man to Harden's side. He can play from behind, pull to the outside and shoot three-pointers, with a career three-pointer percentage of 33.2%. In the Warriors' average playing time of 25.7 minutes, he contributed 16.3 points. Cappella used to be Harden's partner, but he didn't throw threats, so he had to go to the basket. Cousins is more comprehensive than cappella, which makes the opponent's defense more difficult.
Simply put, Wall can open more offensive space than Shao Wei, and Cousins can bring more changes to the pick-and-roll tactics of the Rockets.
The number of offensive organizations has increased.
Harden attracts defenders and then passes the ball to open teammates, which is the basis of the rocket attack in the past few years. This kind of play can really threaten the opponent's defense and help Harden get good data. 20 18 became the MVP of the regular season. In the past three seasons, he has been surrounded by a high-quality second organizer (Paul and Westbrook).
What is different this season is that if Harden is healthy, he may have two teammates with organizational ability.
Wall is an excellent passer, and his passing is always sharp, whether it is a half-court attack or a fast break. Wall never averaged less than 7.6 assists per game in his career. Cousins is a center who is good at passing. He can easily find a shooter lurking in the bottom corner, or a teammate who cuts from the bottom line. According to the data, Cousins passed the ball from inside in the season when the Warriors played, averaging 1.3 points per game. The more players can pass the ball on the court, the more energetic the team's attack will be.
Harden needs to embrace change.
Werner Rosky, a famous ESPN player, pointed out that the Rockets hired Silas because of his "offensive talent". Last season, as a teaching assistant of Lone Ranger, he helped the team build the first offensive efficiency around Dancsics in history. It is expected that he will also show his talents in Houston, and the addition of Wall and Cousins will enrich the weapons he can use.
Harden's singles is still the preferred attack mode of the Rockets, but how to make singles more changeable and more difficult to defend is the key to the problem. For example, if you run more, Harden can get the ball faster.
Of course, everything is based on Harden's willingness to adjust his offensive style. If the Rockets are still a one-man team, they will not be able to give full play to the talents of Wall, Cousins, Gordon, Tucker and Wood. Harden needs to embrace the changes on the offensive end. Victory is never a task that one can accomplish.
Mark Jones, an ESPN reporter, said on social media that he watched Wall's training match in Miami. His speed and strength have not changed compared with before, and his physical condition is also very good. No one can follow him. Jones thinks Wall can play an excellent season.
BR also thinks that as long as he stays healthy, Wall can compete with Westbrook and Paul, and Cousins may be the most versatile big man Harden has ever worked with. Today's suspense is actually more about Harden himself. Howard, Paul and Westbrook, one all-star partner after another, have come and gone. This season can be seen as the last battle of the Rockets Harden era. If it still doesn't work, maybe it's time for the Rockets to say goodbye to Beard.