Mike D’Antoni doesn’t plan to change the Rockets’ offense with Russell Westbrook | Around the Horn
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- July 18, 2019
- 8:13 am
Jorge Sedano, Kevin Blackistone, Tim Cowlishaw and Bob Ryan
A debate on whether or not the Houston Rockets will benefit from keeping their same offense with the newest addition of Russell Westbrook.
How do the Rockets plan to compete against other teams in the Western Conference, particularly those who have made major acquisitions in the offseason?
Mike D’Antoni, the head coach of the Houston Rockets, recently stated that he does not plan to change the team’s offensive strategy, despite the addition of Russell Westbrook to the line-up. Westbrook was acquired by the Rockets in a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder in July this year.
Speaking to reporters at the Rockets’ Media Day session earlier this week, D’Antoni remarked that while Westbrook was a major asset to the team, he did not intend to make any significant changes to the Rockets’ style of play. “We’re not going to change much. We are who we are. We’re going to do what we do and we’re going to have to do that at a very high level,” he said.
This approach is not entirely surprising, given D’Antoni’s reputation as a coach who favors a fast-paced, guard-focused style of play. The Rockets have been playing a high-scoring, three-point shooting game under D’Antoni’s leadership, with players like James Harden and Eric Gordon leading the charge. It is possible that D’Antoni sees Westbrook as a complementary player to this existing system, rather than one who requires a complete overhaul of the Rockets’ playbook.
It remains to be seen how Westbrook will fit in with the Rockets’ established offensive line-up. He is known for his aggressive style of play and his ability to drive to the basket, which could mesh well with the Rockets’ strategy of taking advantage of open three-point shots. However, his shooting accuracy from beyond the arc is not as high as some other players on the team, which could pose a challenge.
That said, Westbrook is undoubtedly a significant addition to the Rockets’ roster. He is a former MVP and one of the most dynamic players in the league, with a reputation for his energy and intensity on the court. D’Antoni seems keen to harness those qualities in his team, rather than attempting to fit Westbrook into a predetermined offensive scheme.
Whether or not this approach will prove successful remains to be seen. Other teams in the Western Conference have significantly bolstered their rosters in the offseason, with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers both making major acquisitions. The Rockets will need to bring their A-game if they hope to compete this season, whether or not they make any changes to their offense.
