Los Angeles Clippers’ offseason has been overshadowed by off-court controversy, And so they may have extra considerations about James Harden.
Kawhi Leonard seems to be wholesome and again to his greatest regardless of some off-court distractions, and the Los Angeles Clippers traded for Bradley Beal so as to add extra firepower on the perimeter.
On paper, the Clippers have essentially the most harmful trio within the NBA in Leonard, Beal and James Harden. The issue is that Harden not often reaches his full potential within the postseason, leading to a collection of disappointing playoff losses for the Clippers and different groups.
He has additionally been identified to indicate as much as coaching camp feeling unwell. Harden pressured his method out of the Houston Rockets, partly as a result of he wasn’t able to play to start out the yr.
To be truthful to the 2018 MVP, he performed in 79 video games final season. Nevertheless, Brian Windhorst revealed some regarding issues NBA scouts are saying about Harden this yr.
The Clippers will should be at their greatest in essentially the most aggressive Western Convention ever. However Windhorst stated Harden hasn’t been feeling nicely, though he known as their preseason type “spectacular.”
On the Hoop Collective podcast, he stated, “I believe the Clippers are a fantastic group, I believed they have been nice all final yr, and I do know they’ve made some modifications to the roster, and I do know they’re older and they’ll have some accidents.
“Look, James Harden is not doing very nicely. What the scouts are saying is that Harden is getting higher at this level. However Kawhi seems to be nice.”
He performed in two video games towards NBA opponents this preseason, scoring a complete of 13 factors. Harden is likely one of the greatest offensive gamers of all time, however at 36 years outdated, he wants to start out taking good care of his physique for what will likely be an intense 82-game season for the Clippers.
That is very true given the uncertainty surrounding Leonard’s future amid Steve Ballmer’s investigation.
In 2024, Harden’s time as an elite NBA participant gave the impression to be over. He averaged 16.6 factors, his lowest scoring since 2011, however flamed out once more within the postseason.
The NBA world was all eyes on him and the Clippers’ title probability was prepared to slide away, however Harden bounced again sturdy. He led the group’s playmaking final season with grades of 23, 9, and 6, incomes them the No. 5 seed.
After a 32-point night time towards the Denver Nuggets within the Clippers’ playoff opener, there was a glimmer of hope that Harden may shake off his previous playoff struggles. However they reared their ugly heads once more.
| Playoff Recreation vs Denver Nuggets | james harden factors |
| sport 1 | 32 |
| sport 2 | 18 |
| Recreation 3 | 20 |
| Recreation 4 | 15 |
| Recreation 5 | 11 |
| Recreation 6 | 28 |
| Recreation 7 | 7 |
Harden completed the collection with seven factors in Recreation 7, and the Clippers’ season was over. His numbers fluctuated wildly, failing to attain 20 factors in 4 of seven video games.
So even when Harden returns to type and performs, do not get your hopes up that he’ll have a lot of an impression on the playoffs.
