It’s been an eventful summer for new Rockets acquisition Ty Lawson. First the Nuggets tried to trade him to Sacramento, then he was arrested with his second DUI of the year, then he entered a rehab program and then he finally was traded to Houston.
But having spent a couple weeks with his new PG, All-Star Rockets leader James Harden says Lawson is “more focused than ever.” Details, from the Houston Chronicle:
Before James Harden’s latest offseason triumphs, from his new $200 million deal with Adidas to an appearance at the USA Basketball minicamp to help cement his place on the 2016 Olympic team, he quietly did something that could be more valuable to the Rockets.
Harden and new Rockets guard Ty Lawson “spent some time together,” enough for Harden to be convinced that his new teammate will overcome his off-court issues and be a valuable addition to the Rockets’ backcourt.
“Ty is definitely going to help us,” Harden said during a break in the Kroger Unplug and Play James Harden Basketball ProCamp in The Woodlands on Saturday. “He gives us that quickness, that speed, playmaking ability, something that we were missing, especially deep in the playoffs. We’re going to welcome him with open arms. We’re happy to have him.”
Lawson completed a 30-day rehabilitation program ordered after his second DUI arrest this year. Harden said he has already spent enough time with Lawson to be “not at all” concerned that Lawson will have similar issues.
“He’s out in California right now working out,” Harden said. “We’re happy to have him. He’s going to be a great addition to our team. I’ve been with him these last couple weeks. He’s more focused than ever. He has a great opportunity with a really good team to showcase his talents and help us with that push that we need.”
