Head coach Tyronn Lue said James Harden is in better shape “than I thought it would be” after the new Clippers guard participated in a scrimmage on Wednesday, according to Andrew Greif of the Los Angeles Times.
“He pushed the pace, he pushed the basketball, made plays for his teammates and he looked really good,” Lue said.
However, Lue realizes that developing chemistry among four ball-dominant players like Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook will be an ongoing process.
“When you have four guys that can score the basketball and make plays, you know, this is just gonna be a process understanding our rotations, how we want to play, who we want to have on the floor together,” Lue said.
We have more on the Clippers:
- Even though Westbrook and Harden were teammates in Oklahoma City, they bring different styles that will require constant adjustments, Lue told Mark Medina of The SportingTribune.com. “Russ is more attack, get downhill and speed and pace. James is more slow, playing his game and so it’s a difference,” Lue said. “It’s a big difference between those two guys. Now when you’re staggering those guys, it’s going to be a different pace to the game.”
- President of basketball operations Lawrence Frank isn’t worried about Harden making sacrifices, Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN writes. “James Harden should have been an All-Star last year,” Frank said. “But he’s a 10-time All-Star. He has an elite skill set, and all he cares about is one thing: He wants to win a championship for the L.A. Clippers. He wants to be part of something bigger than himself. He’s had all the individual awards. He’s about doing something really special.”
- In a detailed analysis, The Athletic’s Sam Amick elicited opinions from numerous scouts regarding how, or if, Harden can blend his skills with the current Clippers roster.
- Nicolas Batum, one of the players dealt to Philadelphia in the Harden blockbuster, thanked the Clippers organization and their fans on social media. Batum noted that the organization and fans embraced him at “the lowest point in my career.” The veteran forward fell out of favor in Charlotte before joining the Clippers prior to the 2020/21 season.
Thank you Batum. We loved having you!
Any bets Harden throws a temper tantrum and demands to be traded with the Clippers? Poor Westbrook can’t get away from this guy.
They say the definition of insanity is trying the same thing over and over while expecting a different result.
Once he chokes in the playoffs again he will blame the Clippers. Harden will finally get that title when he joins the Shanghai Sharks.
Not a big Harden fan but he sacrificed last year to get Embiid the MVP. He will do it again. I hope they have a great playoff run and all stay healthy!
What did he sacrifice? Jo was right. Harden has the ball in his hands basically every single play. He took a few less shots. But he also can’t get lift off to drive to the bucket as much now, which was the biggest part of his game when he was the beard. Hes the goatee or mustache at this point. He got old, he didnt sacrifice.
Harden will retire from the Clippers and ask for a trade anyways.
Should open a franchise of strip clubs “Harden Hooters”.
He is a disgrace to the NBA.
Pretty easy assessment
Harden has to start as the teams point guard and play big with PG Kawhi and Tucker.
Kawhi wants to have a point guard that’ll run the offence and direct the play. He’s not a fast, get out and run in transition type of guy, he’d rather break teams down like Harden. Defensively you only have Harden who’s poor amongst that group and shooting wise all 4 can shoot.
Off the bench Russ suits that impact role. Teams won’t be able to match his speed and tempo. Plus he has that ability to do absolutely everything on the court and will fill up the stat sheet. Next to him you’ve got Powell who is a go to scoring option, Terrance Mann who can really can fit into any line up and do whatever you ask of him. Then lastly Plumblee the back up to Zu. Bones Hyland is there and similarly to Russ provides impact. Less speed and do it all about him but better shooting and scoring ability.
What they lack is probably having 2 more forwards, but they have open roster spots. I’d grab Serge Ibaka and JaMychal Green two guys that can play as a 4/5’s that can stretch the floor, good locker room guys and good experience.
Justice Winslow is also worth a shout if you just want another defender