With their loss to the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday, the LA Clippers dropped to 0-5 since buying James Harden, with six straight losses total. The Clippers all the time knew that there was a threat after they traded for Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers, and the early returns are undoubtedly trigger for concern.
With 5 straight losses to start the Harden period in LA, the Clippers look removed from a title contender after buying the previous MVP. Worse but, their already established stars have performed worse since he joined the group, proving that the adage “there’s just one basketball” is true.
Whereas Harden’s arrival was all the time going to have an effect on stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, in addition to Russell Westbrook, Clippers followers hoped that he would make their lives simpler, not make them play worse. In 5 video games collectively, Kawhi and George are averaging simply 18 and 20.6 factors per recreation, respectively, whereas Westbrook and Harden are posting 12.8 and 15 factors, respectively.
Are the Clippers in bother after buying and selling for James Harden?
After a tough begin to his Clippers profession, Harden himself admitted that it might take time for him to be built-in into their system. Contemplating that he was acquired after coaching camp and in the course of the early a part of the season, it’s honest to anticipate there to be a studying curve for Harden.
Nonetheless, the Clippers gave up quite a bit to amass him and so they can’t afford a chronic shedding streak whereas he figures out his new position. Its not all on Harden, nonetheless, Kawhi and George merely have to play higher than they’ve.
With the Sixers rolling with out Harden and MVP Joel Embiid showing to take a parting shot at his former teammate, it appears they don’t miss him. That’s not to say that the Clippers made a nasty commerce solely based mostly on that nevertheless it most likely doesn’t instill confidence.
Particularly since Harden is 34 and never recognized for caring for his physique, this raises issues about how he’ll age. The early returns haven’t seemed nice however he should show helpful and his play and the way it impacts Kawhi, George, and Westbrook will likely be one thing to look at for going ahead.
