MVP runner-up James Harden and perennial All-Star Chris Paul joined forces in Houston via trade in a blockbuster trade this summer. Now, it seems the league’s most potent back court combo has a chance to play with each other before the preseason tips off.
James Harden and Chris Paul will play together in the Drew League
And they might play against Russell Westbrook.
Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
Both Harden and Paul will play for the LA United team in this year’s Drew League, according to The Undefeated’s Marc J. Spears. Rockets big man Montrezl Harrell and ex-Houston sixth man Lou Williams will also play, as will high school star Marvin Bagley and Raptors guard Delon Wright.
LA United will play the Hometown Favorites, who are led by MVP Russell Westbrook.
Harden and Paul have been working out together at UCLA this summer.
The Rockets acquired Paul in a trade that sent Williams, Patrick Beverley, Sam Dekker and a protected first-round pick to the Clippers. Shortly after, they signed Harden to $169 million contract extension and will pay him more than $228 million through 2023.
But while Harden and Paul sound incredible on paper, many have concerns with how the two will mesh in Mike D’Antoni’s offensive system. Both are ball-dominant guards who thrive with the ball in their hands. Paul has been the best point guard in the NBA the majority of his career and Harden, in his first season at point guard full-time, placed second to Westbrook in MVP voting.
D’Antoni won’t be coaching the Drew League, but Harden and Paul’s ability to coexist will be on display for LA United this summer. And if it works out in this pro-am league, the NBA had better watch out.
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