The Clippers view James Harden as a “ceiling raiser” and believed they had to make another significant addition after watching the Suns, Celtics and Bucks improve their rosters this summer, writes Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.
L.A. now has a tantalizing lineup if everyone stays healthy, teaming Harden with Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook, who are expected to start alongside Ivica Zubac when Harden makes his debut with the team tonight in New York. According to Youngmisuk, the Clippers are the fourth team in league history to have four players who started the season with at least five career All-NBA selections.
Even though coach Tyronn Lue plans to continue using Westbrook as his primary play-maker, the Clippers view Harden as someone who can boost their offense by creating his own shot or setting up open opportunities for Leonard and George. Harden led the league in assists with the Sixers last season and he’s averaged at least 10 per game in each of the past three years.
“James is a superstar,” George said. “Another play-maker. Another scorer, leader. Really happy to have him here. … It’s not every day you get a chance to get a guy of his ability that wants to come and play on this team. It was worth taking a swing on, and so we felt that he could help us.”
There’s more from the Pacific Division:
- This marks the third pairing for Harden and Westbrook, who entered the league with Oklahoma City and spent the 2019/20 season together in Houston, Youngmisuk adds. They both requested trades after that season, but Clippers forward P.J. Tucker, who was also with that Rockets team, doesn’t believe the situation will carry over. “Russ and James (have known) each other for years, so they’re familiar with each other, playing with each other,” Tucker said. “I don’t know if it’s the same (experience this time), especially with Kawhi and PG. I think this team is kind of a totally different type of dynamic (for them).”
- The Warriors‘ game in Detroit tonight will mark their first meeting with James Wiseman since he was traded in February, notes Anthony Slater of The Athletic. Golden State selected Wiseman with the second pick in the 2020 draft, but he was never able to earn a regular role. He’s in the same situation with the Pistons, having made one brief appearance in the team’s first seven games. “I know he’s not playing much, but it’s the challenge that he’s facing,” Stephen Curry said. “In terms of forcing them to play him. That’s the challenge. Knowing him, I know he’ll have extreme confidence in himself to figure it out, even if it’s not on the timeline he wants right now.”
- Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee examines what’s gone wrong with the Kings, who are struggling to score after having the highest-rated offense in league history last season.
I love how there are all these articles, including quotes from Harden himself, how he didn’t like playing the way the Sixers used him. Now there are all these articles how him leading with assists last year and deferring to others will help the Clippers. He doesn’t want to do that.
I dont think Harden has a single idea what he wants in any aspect of his life.
He wants to be at the club
It is a awful fit both defensively and offensively. Both ball handling and finishes at the rim. Both turnovers and size. Physicality and speed. Age and injuries. Etc etc etc.
James Harden is the system.
I said it and I’ll say it again, trade Wiseman to Memphis. Trade Tillman, Jake L and a 1st to Detroit for Wiseman. Detroit trades Hayes to the Spurs for Devonte Graham and two 2nd . Or Detroit can trade Bagley to Memphis for Tillman Jake L and two 2nds. Or Bagley to Indiana for Theis and two 2nd. Trade Wiseman to Orlando or Washington
I’m a clippers fan but I’m more convinced then ever this era is never leading to a title
At least when it eventually implodes, it won’t be boring.
Would love to see Wiseman return to Warriors next season on a minimum contract.
Clippers join the club of clubs that thought this time will be different with Harden. He’s never seen a bridge he hasn’t torched.
For even as much talent as Harden has, I’ve never thought less of a “star” as a basketball player.
He’s not in the same situation. Warriors never helped him. Only prayed he’d help them. Timing was off so they gave up on him.
Duren is just better right now. I told you about Duren. Didn’t believe then. Told you about Wiseman. His stats last yr. With Pistons
24 gms, 25 mins, 8 rebs, 13 pts …..
Those are serious stats. And worth working with him. He’s 22yrs old.
The Clips now have the oldest (and probably slowest) starting five in the league, so there’s that…