James Harden’s recent decision to re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers has received considerable attention, especially after Paul George left for the Philadelphia 76ers. Harden signed a two-year, $70 million deal and made it clear he feels at home with the Clippers.
After joining mid-season last year, he helped the team recover from a tough start and even led them to the top of the Western Conference for a while. He played well, averaging 16.6 points, 8.5 assists, and 5.1 rebounds over 72 games.
When asked about his new deal with the Clippers, Harden said the following: “I’m home and I don’t plan on going anywhere else. I want to leave a legacy, especially having that opportunity here at home. I love everything that we’re doing. A lot of outsiders and people that are analysts or whatever you want to call them don’t really have high expectations for us but we have high expectations for ourselves.“
However, his performance benefited from playing alongside All-Stars George and Kawhi Leonard. Last season, Leonard played 68 games, the most in his career since 2016-17, averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. Unfortunately, he got injured in the first-round series against the Mavericks, which led to the Clippers’ elimination.
The Impact Of Paul George’s Departure And James Harden’s Role In Shaping The Clippers’ Future
George’s departure raises questions about the team’s future. He signed a four-year, $212 million deal with the 76ers after turning down his option with the Clippers. His exit surprised many fans since he wanted to stay in Los Angeles.
Former Clippers star Patrick Beverley suggested that Harden’s arrival might have influenced George’s decision, hinting at possible team tension.
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With George gone, James Harden needs to step up as a main scorer alongside Kawhi Leonard. Leonard must stay healthy, not just during the regular season but also in the playoffs, if the Clippers want a chance at the championship.
Harden acknowledged this, saying, “I’ve never missed the playoffs my entire career, so I feel our entire team, we have a lot to prove. For me, as a leader, there have been a lot of situations where we weren’t good enough. But we made people believe in us. I feel like this is another opportunity for that. I’m excited for that.” The Clippers are counting on Harden’s experience to fill the gap left by George.
While the Clippers prepare for their first season in their new arena in Inglewood, CA, they face both challenges and opportunities. Losing George is a big deal, but some analysts think it might be a “blessing in disguise,” allowing Kawhi Leonard and James Harden to take on bigger roles.
With new players joining the team, the Clippers are set to make a strong push in what is expected to be a tough Western Conference.
