Houston Rockets: 5 Reasons Lou Williams Makes Them Even More Dangerous
By Kyle Tomasi
Provides Rest For Harden
Williams’ value will prove to be even more important than originally thought if he can continue to score in bunches off the bench for the Rockets. The reason for his value? Rest.
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He has the scoring ability to carry the load on the offensive side of the ball when Harden needs rest. Harden might be able to sit out entire quarters at a time with Williams on the floor, and everyone knows how important rest is entering the playoffs.
Williams has been on the floor during crucial times of games throughout his entire career and the Rockets will need that offensive output if Harden is not on the floor. It seems like head coach Mike D’Antoni already trusts Williams with the ball in his hands which is a positive sign moving forward.
With the second unit coming in, a lot of the time you see a drop off. Not necessarily a massive dip in scoring or defense but a dip nonetheless. When Harden has been subbed out in previous years, the Rockets have had to look to Trevor Ariza and Patrick Beverley for scoring.
This year is completely different.
With the additions of Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson, the offensive firepower hasn’t seen a huge hit when Harden is not on the floor. Adding Williams is a whole new ball game, though. He’s the bench spark that the Rockets have been looking for.
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Williams can play the point guard position if needed but is primarily an off the ball type scorer. With his ability to run the pick and roll and score at will, Harden may be seeing more and more of the bench, providing rest for when the Rockets really need him.