James Harden’s impact on the Los Angeles Clippers extends beyond his on-court performance, as revealed by center Ivica Zubac on the “Podcast P” featuring Paul George. Zubac detailed the initiation of what he humorously coined the “James Harden training camp” for bigs and young players after every practice.
“First shoot around, he’s like, ‘Hey Zu stay a little longer, let’s work on our pick and roll stuff’, I was like he just got to the team, he trying to get to know guys what they like and everything and I thought it was gonna be for a few days.”
“Nah, now every shoot around, I gotta stay, Theis gotta stay, now Mase, Kobe gotta stay, Brandon Boston, Bones. We all working on our pick and roll game.”
“After every practice, After every shoot around, we stay for 20 minutes at least just working pick and roll from like six different spots.”
Ivica Zubac explaining the “James Hardens training camp” for the bigs and young players after each practice 😭
“First shoot around, he’s like ‘hey Zu, let’s work on our pick and roll stuff’, and I thought it was gonna be for a few days. Nah, now every shoot around, I gotta stay,… pic.twitter.com/5lw6cHDVAn
— HoodieBev (@HoodieBev) January 15, 2024
According to Zubac, the routine started during the first shootaround after Harden joined the Clippers. Rather than focusing solely on individual skills, Harden sought to build cohesion with his new teammates, particularly the big men. He asked Zubac to stay after practice to work on pick-and-roll scenarios, an invitation that extended to other players like Daniel Theis, Mason Plumlee, Kobe Brown, Brandon Boston, and Bones Hyland.
Surprisingly, this routine became a regular occurrence, with the Clippers dedicating at least 20 minutes after every shootaround and practice to refine their pick-and-roll strategies from various spots on the court. This commitment to skill development and team chemistry has paid dividends for the Clippers.
Currently, the Clippers are riding a wave of success, occupying the 4th spot in the Western Conference with a commendable record of 25-13. Over the last 20 games, they boast a stellar 16-4 record, tying for the best record in that stretch alongside the Boston Celtics.
James Harden’s seamless integration into his role as the primary ball handler and playmaker for the Clippers has been a key factor in their resurgence. Harden’s contributions extend beyond scoring, as he averages 17.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and an impressive 8.4 assists per game.
His shooting efficiency, marked by a 45.6% field goal percentage and a remarkable 41.9% from beyond the arc, further underscores his value to the team’s success. The Clippers’ commitment to continuous improvement under the guidance of Harden showcases the team’s determination to be a formidable force in the competitive NBA landscape.
The Clippers’ Main Goal Is To Stay Healthy
The Los Angeles Clippers have consistently faced a major hurdle over the years—their players’ health. Despite reaching the Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history during the 2020-21 season, the Clippers were hindered by injuries, particularly to star player Kawhi Leonard. The absence of Leonard proved costly, and they were unable to overcome the Phoenix Suns.
The following season, in 2021-22, both Paul George and Kawhi Leonard struggled with injuries, impacting the team’s performance. They secured the 8th spot in the competitive Western Conference but faced elimination in the play-in tournament.
The injury woes continued into the last season, with Paul George sidelined during the playoffs. The Clippers finished 5th in the West, meeting the Phoenix Suns in the first round. After Game 2, Kawhi Leonard also succumbed to injury, leading to a premature exit for the Clippers in just five games.
Injuries have been a persistent issue for the Clippers year after year, preventing them from realizing their full potential in the postseason. Recognizing the significance of player health, the Clippers’ primary goal for the current season is to stay healthy. With the talent and potential within the team, they are well aware that a fully healthy squad heading into the playoffs could be a game-changer.
The Clippers aim to break the pattern of being plagued by injuries and aspire to make a significant impact in the postseason if they can maintain a roster at its peak physical condition.
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