Page 2 ~ THE VILLAGER/July 19, 2019 THE COMMUNIQUÉ www.theaustinvillager.com Russell Westbrook to the Houston Rockets Old OKC teammates Westbrook and Harden to Makes reunite in Houston. (Getty Images/Ringer illustration) Sense Westbrook remembers will carry over on the one thing: It’s Harden court. and Westbrook. Not Either way, Westbrook and Harden. Westbrook and Harden That’s right. on the same team is a Harden’s name comes fascinating pairing. If first. It’s his team, his nothing else, they’re city. worth the price of ad- Harden gets to mission. shoot as much as he Westbrook is in- wants. There will be credibly gifted plus he’s enough shots to go the hardest worker in By John Harris Jr. around, and Russ will the league. He’s aver- VILLAGER Sports receive his share. But aged a triple double for Columnist Harden is the first option three consecutive sea- (VILLAGER) - Get - first, last, always. sons. your popcorn ready! Let’s hope Russ is Harden, mean- I like the Russell OK with that. He should while, is the king of the Westbrook for Chris Paul be. After all, Westbrook step-back 3-pointer trade. Love it, in fact. and Harden go way back who’s led the NBA in the Why not? together. They’re both scoring two straight The Houston Rock- from Los Angeles, so years. Both Westbrook ets were down on their they’ve followed each and Harden have won luck. James Harden and other’s’ games for a long MVPs - Westbrook in Paul, no matter how time. They were team- 2017, Harden in 2018. friendly they are to each mates at Oklahoma City Will the Rockets other in those State before Harden was compete for a title? Farm commercials, did traded to Houston - a With Kawhi Leonard and not mesh on the basket- deal from which the Paul George on the Clip- ball court. Thunder never recov- pers, and LeBron James Paul likes to shout ered. and Anthony Davis on at teammates to get his Make no mistake, the Lakers, Houston point across. Harden Harden knows what he’s won’t make it out of the wasn’t having it. getting in Russ, who has Western Conference, The Rockets are the reputation for being much less reach the NBA Harden’s team, so guess a ball-hog - just like Finals. who got traded to Okla- Harden. Apparently, Even so, the homa City? Harden is comfortable Westbrook trade was a Bye, bye Chris. with that. Or maybe he gamble worth taking for As long as feels like their friendship the Rockets..