After a recent win over the Memphis Grizzlies, Clippers star James Harden reflected on the journey so far and what it’s taken to get here, 12 games over .500. For Harden, he admitted to the media that he’s playing free for the first time in years and he’s finally in a place that empowers him to be the best version of himself on the court.
“I’ve been through so much these last few years to where it’s like a sigh of relief to just go out there and just hoop and have fun doing it… I’m having fun hooping. I’m home having fun hooping… I’m in my safe space.”
As a former NBA MVP, it wasn’t that long ago that Harden was considered among the best players in the world. Today, his game has fallen off a lot but he’s found new life with the Clippers, and his influence there has put them in serious consideration for the Larry O’Brien trophy.
A Rocky Road For The Former MVP
In Houston, James Harden was the center of everything for the team and it was a formula that achieved great success for several years. Unfortunately, it was never enough to close the deal and Harden would eventually force his way out when it became clear the Rockets could no longer compete. Things were never the same for James after his Houston exit. His stints in Brooklyn and Philadelphia were mired in controversy and it was a questionable fit almost from the start.
Things reached an all-time low for James this past summer when he tried to force his way out as part of a brutal war with Daryl Morey. Eventually, he got his wish and it destroyed his reputation in the process. Coming into this season, it’s no wonder why the doubts were abundant for Harden, who turned 34 in August. But if the Clippers are to reach their true potential, Harden will have to be leading the way in some form as a primary playmaker and perimeter shooter for the club.
Clippers Are The Team To Beat
At 25-13, the Clippers are currently 4th in the West, only behind the Nuggets, Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves. With Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, we always knew that the Clips posed a threat to beat any team on any given night, but their recent play has really put the world on notice. At 8-2 in their last 10 games, Los Angeles has been red hot over the past few weeks and they are 16-4 at home through 20 games. With averages of 17.1 points, 8.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game, Harden has more than pulled his weight as a Clipper and he’s making them look good by validating their trade for him.
When it comes to the Clippers, however, the biggest questions will always be about their potential in the postseason. Historically, the franchise has struggled to win at all in April, May, and June and they have yet to make a single Finals appearance in their entire history. This season, Kawhi, George, and Harden are hoping to change that and establish the Clippers as a winning organization for the first time in their history.
We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.
Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.
