James Harden on Rockets’ potential: ‘A chance to do something special’

Even whereas struggling, the Rockets had displayed the potential of their revamped roster, but in addition the necessity to get time with the popular lineups collectively.

With the Rockets near full energy, although nonetheless with out beginning small ahead Danuel Home Jr., guard James Harden on Saturday gave his most optimistic evaluation but of the Rockets’ potential.

“We’ve numerous work to do,” he mentioned. “I believe each staff feels that manner however for us, we’re behind as a result of we have not had our complete staff or a possibility to work collectively fairly often. So long as we proceed to seek out chemistry, discover tempo on each ends of the ground, we have now an opportunity to do one thing particular.”

The Rockets’ most well-liked beginning lineup – Christian Wooden, P.J. Tucker, John Wall, Home and Harden – has been on the ground for simply 19.8 minutes this season, however scored 52 factors on 55.3 p.c in that stretch, outscoring opponents by 6.8 factors per 100 possessions.

Although that’s too small a pattern dimension to attract conclusions, there was optimism about the way in which issues might come collectively. Rockets coach Stephen Silas was particularly happy to listen to of Harden’s emphasis on tempo.

“That’s form of the factor I’ve been preaching so far as us getting the ball up rapidly, tempo on the offensive finish, not simply essentially tempo so far as fast-breaking, however tempo so far as having the ability to drive and never enjoying towards set defenses,” Silas mentioned.

“Identical factor on the defensive finish, ensuring we’re on it. If there’s a pick-and-roll name, be on our safety spots. There’s a drive, we have now a low man to assist and we’re on our low spots and we’re fast to attending to no matter we have to get to on the defensive finish. I 100% agree with James on that one.”

Mentioned Rockets guard John Wall, “He hit it proper on the nostril.”

To have Harden converse of long-term potential, nonetheless, particularly got here in distinction together with his low season want to be traded and the assumptions that stay that he will probably be dealt. Silas has emphasised that he has been happy together with his star’s dedication.

“James’ effort’s been nice,” Silas mentioned. “It’s been high quality. He’s doing all the pieces I want him to do. He’s performed on the ball. He performed off the ball. He’s performed protection. I don’t actually have a response to anyone saying he’s not enjoying onerous as a result of that’s not what I’m seeing from him or the group.”