The Chris Paul era in Houston is on pause. According to reports, Houston Rockets point guard Chris Paul is on the sideline for 2-4 weeks because of the left knee injury (bruise) that has bothered him since the preseason.
ESPN reported that the Rockets started "calling agents" to look for a playmaker that can replace Paul. A name mentioned is Jameer Nelson. The one-time NBA All-Star is currently an unrestricted free agent after being waived by the Denver Nuggets a few days back. Nelson spent the past three seasons with the Nuggets. Before his stop in Denver, he had stints with the Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, and the Boston Celtics.
It is unlikely for Nelson to duplicate the numbers Paul can produce for the Rockets. However, he could provide quality minutes off the bench. In 75 games (40 starts) for the Nuggets in the 2016-17 season, the 35-year-old averaged 9.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per contest.
Backcourt scenario
Jameer Nelson's potential addition to the Houston Rockets gives them a new-look at the backcourt. If he gets signed, it is likely for him to be the backup of James Harden, who is taking the point guard duties with Paul out. Harden thrived as a court facilitator last season. Taking the starting job at shooting guard will be reigning Sixth Man of the Year, Eric Gordon.
No Chris Paul, no problem
So far, the Houston Rockets are showing no signs of slowing down even if Chris Paul is not with them.
The Rockets remain unbeaten in two games. In their season opener, they defeated the defending NBA champions Golden State Warriors, 122-121. They did it with Paul not having his usual scoring night and heading to the bench early in the fourth quarter.
On Wednesday, the Rockets played their first outing without Paul and still won.
The Rockets topped the Sacramento Kings, 105-100. As usual, James Harden led the charge with 27 points and nine assists. Eric Gordon contributed 25, while Clint Capela went for a double-double 22 points and 17 rebounds.
Up next
Tonight, the Houston Rockets are back in Houston for a two-game homestand. The first team they will host is the Dallas Mavericks.
On Monday, it is the Memphis Grizzlies visiting them. It is unfortunate that Chris Paul is still suffering from the injury. These home games would have been his firsts in the regular season as a member of the Rockets. Paul already saw action in front of the home crowd at the Toyota Center during the preseason.
