With Mike D'Antoni coaching the Houston Rockets for the 2016-17 NBA season, James Harden could snatch the assists title from reigning assists king Rajon Rondo.
It's not so much about any change in the passing abilities of Rondo or Harden. Rondo is regarded as one of the best passers in the league with his court vision and his ability to get the ball to where his teammates are most comfortable catching the ball. Harden has always had the ability to set up his teammates to score but is just known more for his scoring prowess.
Last season, Rondo led the league with 11.7 assists per game in 72 games for the Sacramento Kings. James Harden finished in sixth place with 7.5 assists per game in 82 games.
Rondo always looks to pile up his assists no matter which team he plays for and whoever he plays with. His assists average last season tied his career high in the 2011-12 season when he was still with the Boston Celtics where he also finished the season with 11.7 assists per game in just 53 games.
Before Harden came to the Rockets, he only averaged 3.7 assists per game through 62 games in his last season with the Oklahoma City Thunder. His 7.5 assists per game last season are his highest since entering the NBA.
This season, Rondo has joined the Chicago Bulls where he will team up with Dwayne Wade and Jimmy Butler. Both are able scorers who can defend but both are not great outside shooters. It will be interesting to see how Rondo can help the Bulls get wins while maintaining his assists title.
During the off season, the Rockets hired D'Antoni as their new head coach, traded Dwight Howard to the Atlanta Hawks, acquired shooters in Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson, and now have a bunch of big men who would be happy to set screens for Harden and other teammates. D'Antoni is known for his up-tempo style of offense. He won the Coach of the Year award back in the 2004-05 NBA season when he was with the Phoenix Suns and Steve Nash running the show.
With more shooters surrounding Harden this season and younger legs who are willing to run and gun, Harden is poised to have a major bump in his assists total and possibly bag the assists title at the end of the season.
