NBA Season Preview 2017-18: 10 players who could struggle with their new teams

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 8: Chris Paul talks with James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League on July 8, 2017 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 11: Chris Paul attends Black Ops Basketball Session at Life Time Athletic At Sky on September 11, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images) /

1. Chris Paul, Houston Rockets

Landing at No. 1 on this list is the ex-Los Angeles Clipper that found his way out of La-La land and into H-Town.

At the time of Chris Paul’s free agency, it seemed like the most logical destinations would either be the incumbent Clippers or the San Antonio Spurs. The latter made the most sense, given their deficiencies at point guard and playing with Kawhi Leonard — a non-ball-dominant player.

Now, Paul heads to Houston, where he will be playing alongside James Harden, a player that was top-5 in usage rating last year. Harden was often the point guard for the Rockets last year, even if Patrick Beverley was officially listed at that position on the starting lineups.

The talk since the sign-and-trade has been how Paul and Harden are both going to find their touches and create offense. Ideally, having two playmakers compared to be one should be better, but in this case, the Rockets may have some chemistry issues to start out the season.

Next: 10 players who will fit in great with their new teams

Paul has always been the distributor and primary ball-handler on all his teams in the past, and how he’s going to adjust to his new role in Houston is a legitimate question. The two stars have been saying all the right things, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to translate on the floor.