Shockwaves were sent across the NBA world when the Los Angeles Clippers traded for James Harden, and Draymond Green has now shared his thoughts on the big move.
“When you put those names on paper, they’ll be as good as any names you can put together,” Green said. “You’re talking four first-ballot Hall of Famers, two MVPs, one Finals MVP, a perennial All-Star. You can’t put much else better on paper.”
Green did have some concerns regarding this new superteam, however.
“They’re also getting older, just like us,” Green continued. “I think all of those guys are probably in year 14 or 15 or above. Kawhi is Klay’s year, so it’s 13, and so health will be important as well.”
The 33-year-old concluded by acknowledging that the Clippers do have solid pieces around their stars, which makes them a formidable opponent.
“Even around those guys, they still got (Ivica) Zubac, they still got Norman Powell, still got Bones Hyland,” Green added. “… And then they also have an incredible coach in Ty Lue. So, they’ll be a force to be reckoned with. You hope to get to the end and see everybody healthy, and may the best man win. But they’ll be a tough team.”
While Green was showing a lot of respect to the Clippers, it also seemed as if the four-time All-Star was trying to convey the point that it’s all just on paper for now. We haven’t seen them in action just yet, but I do believe they’re going to be great.
Not only do they have star power in Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook, but they have a fine supporting cast around them as well. One of the biggest issues with these star-studded teams is the lack of depth, but that’s not really a concern here.
The Clippers will have the likes of Norman Powell, Bones Hyland, Terance Mann, and PJ Tucker coming off the bench. They form one of the better second units in the NBA and when you also add Tyronn Lue, who is one of the best coaches in the league, to the mix, you get a team that is to be respected.
The only concern and it is a big one, with this team is health and you hate to say it, but there’s a good chance that the injury bug will once again strike, as it has in recent seasons.
Draymond Green Also Had The Clippers As The Biggest Threat To The Warriors Last Season In The West
While Green has taken his shots at the Clippers over the years, it is also a team that he has a lot of respect for. After the Golden State Warriors won the title last year, Draymond pointed to the Clippers as the team that would be the biggest threat to them in the West.
He hailed Lue as one of the best coaches in the NBA and praised Leonard and George while also mentioning how great their supporting cast was. A team from Los Angeles would indeed end up being the ones to knock the Warriors out of the playoffs, but it was the Lakers, not the Clippers.
Draymond Green Is Bullish On His Pairing With Chris Paul
After losing to the Lakers, the Warriors realized they had to make some changes. The big move they made was to trade for Chris Paul, and while there were plenty of concerns surrounding the move, the veteran has slotted in well with the group. Green spoke about his fit with Paul by comparing the two of them to Bill Gates and Paul Allen.
“How I see the challenge is for the other team. They’ll have players on the floor that have to think the game of basketball with us. Good luck.”
‘That’s how I see the challenge. You put Bill Gates and Paul Allen in a room and you get Microsoft. That’s how I see it.”
From a basketball IQ standpoint, the Warriors will certainly have an advantage on the court on most nights. Will that translate to a fifth title in 10 seasons? Well, only time will tell as they will face stiff competition from the likes of the Clippers.
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