NBA Trade Rumors: 5 reasons why Russell Westbrook and James Harden can't work as teammates on the Houston Rockets

Russell Westbrook needs to be the main player of his team

Russell Westbrook needs to be the focal point of his team to be effective

If Russell Westbrook has shown something more than his unique talent, energy, and competitiveness during his NBA career, he also needs to be the primary player of his team. Being the focal point of the offense gave him MVP recognition at OKC once Kevin Durant left.

The Clippers and Knicks are interested in trading for Russell Westbrook, per @KevinOConnorNBA pic.twitter.com/XRpjPx0loK

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 11, 2020

Advanced statistics show that Westbrook truly needs to be running the show, which he had to sacrifice at the Houston Rockets with James Harden.

Russell Westbrook ranks second in NBA history on usage percentage with 32.69, only behind Michael Jordan. However, as Russell Westbrook is a point guard who has played with high-volume scorers like Kevin Durant and James Harden, having this high a usage percentage shows that he dominates ball possession regardless of who is around him, which did not work for the Houston Rockets.

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Both have a score-first mentality

Houston Rockets v Los Angeles Lakers — Game Five

As Russell Westbrook and James Harden are both ranked in the Top 8 in NBA history on usage percentage, having them in the same team means their teammates aren't going to get involved much, even though they are great passers.

James Harden and Russell Westbrook’s uncertainty about the Rockets’ direction has left the front office “fearful” of losing its stars, per @wojespn and @espn_macmahonThey haven’t asked for a trade but it’s a "plausible eventual possibility" pic.twitter.com/VJ7rq9wSur

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 11, 2020

Last year, both Russell Westbrook and James Harden were ranked in the Top 5 in the entire NBA on usage percentage.

Having two players who have a score-first mentality also provides certainty for opposing defenses: they just have to focus on stopping Westbrook and Harden.

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Lack of NBA championships

Russell Westbrook and James Harden playing for the Houston Rockets in the NBA Playoffs.

When LeBron James teamed up with Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat, he walked into a championship-winning front office, an NBA Finals MVP in Wade, and a winning culture at Miami established by Pat Riley.

Kevin Durant, when signing with the Golden State Warriors, went to pair up with Stephen Curry, a proven NBA MVP and champion known for his unselfishness. Those were experienced NBA players joining and trying to reach collective goals.

With Russell Westbrook and James Harden teaming up for the Houston Rockets, those boxes were not filled. Both are experienced players, but their still trying to figure out how to reach the most coveted price in the NBA: the Larry O'Brien trophy.

Not having been in a team which has seen Finals success may have hindered Russell Westbrook and James Harden's attempt to win a ring. Both are individual scoring focused players, and may not know how to win as a team.

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