In the wake of a disappointing 0-2 start with the addition of James Harden, the LA Clippers find themselves in a phase of adjustment and patience. The much-anticipated integration of offensive powerhouse Harden into the team of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook hasn’t yielded immediate success.
The Reassurance from Coach Lue
After a 100-93 loss to the Brooklyn Nets and a previous 111-97 defeat against the New York Knicks, Coach Tyronn Lue is urging patience. Easing concerns, Lue emphasizes, “It’s going to be a process. We’re going to be good once we get it down.” The sentiment is echoed by the team’s president of business operations, Gillian Zucker, who was reassured by Lue, expressing confidence in the team’s future.
Harden’s Adjustments and Challenges
Harden, having joined the Clippers last week, faces the challenge of adapting his game to mesh with Leonard, George, and Westbrook. Lue acknowledges the difficulty, stating, “It’s tough, cause you don’t want to come in and try to do too much and stepping on PG’s and Kawhi’s toes and things like that. We need James to be James.”
Growing Pains and Communication
The Clippers, currently on a three-game losing streak, recognize the growing pains of integrating new players. Paul George emphasizes, “We’re going to go through growing pains. We’re going to come out of this and we’re probably have to make another adjustment based on how the season goes later in the year.”
The four key players – Leonard, George, Westbrook, and Harden – maintain constant communication on and off the court. George explains, “It’s an ongoing conversation…we’re just trying to figure it out too. Everybody is trying to figure it out, and again, we’re going through a tough period, tough patch.”
Scoring Woes and the Message from Lue
Despite the star-studded lineup, the Clippers have yet to crack 100 points in their first two games together. Coach Lue emphasizes the importance of individuality, stating, “They got to be themselves. That’s the biggest thing. If you are doing too much, we’ll let you know. But you can’t be passive and we need every one of these guys to be who they are.”
From Top to Bottom: Patience Prevails
Even with the team’s president of basketball operations, Lawrence Frank, showing no signs of panic, the Clippers are stressing patience. The message is clear – be patient, let the players find their rhythm, and success will follow.
In the midst of this early-season struggle, the Clippers are resolute in their belief that with time, chemistry will develop, and the much-anticipated success will become a reality.
Clippers stressing patience after falling to 0-2 with James Harden.
Decoding the Clippers’ 0-2 Struggle: Key Questions on James Harden’s Impact
Why was James Harden not on the Clippers’ bench?
In a 118-102 victory against the Orlando Magic, Paul George and Russell Westbrook led the Los Angeles Clippers. Notably absent from the bench was James Harden, the anticipated future teammate, who observed the game from a suite. The reason for his absence lies in the yet-to-be-finalized trade that is bringing him to Los Angeles from the Philadelphia 76ers. Due to the ongoing negotiations, Harden could not join the Clippers on the bench for this game.
Will the 76ers trade James Harden to the Clippers?
The Philadelphia 76ers have reached an agreement to trade guard James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers (AP Photo/Joe Reedy). In this imminent move, the Clippers are set to acquire the skilled player, as indicated by the ongoing negotiations. This strategic trade could potentially reshape the dynamics of both teams, with Harden bringing his talents to the Clippers’ roster. The details of the trade are unfolding, marking a significant development in the NBA landscape.
Why did James Harden hold up three fingers?
During the game against the Knicks on Monday night in New York, Clippers guard James Harden notably held up three fingers after successfully making a three-point shot. This gesture marked a significant moment in Harden’s debut with the Clippers, a game that was anticipated to showcase the formation of a dynamic Big Four with Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook. Harden’s three-point signal adds a visual element to the unfolding narrative of the Clippers’ powerhouse offensive lineup.
Could a Harden upgrade help the Clippers stay in the championship picture?
The addition of an elite scorer and playmaker like James Harden is poised to significantly enhance the offensive dynamics for Leonard and George. This strategic move not only eases the offensive burden on the key players but also offers the flexibility for them to potentially take nights off as needed. In the wake of significant acquisitions by other teams, such as the Bucks securing Lillard and the Boston Celtics acquiring Jrue Holiday, the Clippers may find a Harden-esque upgrade essential to maintaining their position in the championship race.
Will Harden leave the Clippers in 2024?
While the Clippers could potentially offer a more suitable environment for James Harden, there’s speculation that his inclination to explore other options might lead to a departure in 2024 if the current situation doesn’t align with his expectations. The unfolding scenario promises to be intriguing and is worth closely monitoring.
Does James Harden control the ball?
In a playoff game against the Boston Celtics in May, James Harden, then with the Philadelphia 76ers, showcased his ball control skills. As the Bucks and Celtics strengthened their rosters in pursuit of NBA title ambitions, the Clippers, in contrast, entered training camp with a roster that remained largely unchanged from the previous season.
Who is James Harden?
James Harden, a prominent figure in the NBA trade talks, is on the verge of joining the Clippers in a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. This move positions the Clippers as strong contenders for the NBA title. Before this development, Harden covered college football and sports enterprise at The Oregonian, joining The Times later. A University of Oregon graduate, he has roots on the Oregon coast.
Are the Clippers a ‘bust or a Harden-or-Bust’ philosophy?
While James Harden was undoubtedly a preference for the Clippers, their approach was far from a ‘Harden-or-bust’ philosophy. Despite their interest in Harden, the team demonstrated flexibility when coveted defender Jrue Holiday became available in a trade from Milwaukee to Portland. The Clippers actively pursued Holiday, showcasing a strategic approach that goes beyond a singular focus on Harden.
