Kawhi Leonard is not one to give glowing, exaggerated statements, but when it comes to playing alongside James Harden, he’s made it clear that their partnership could be a strong one, according to The Athletic. As Leonard prepares for the upcoming season with the Los Angeles Clippers, he has shared his honest views about teaming up with Harden, emphasizing their shared mindset and commitment to winning.
“The relationship has been great. He came in last year wanting to win and saying that he wanted to sacrifice and do the things we needed to do to win games. So going into this year, he has the same mindset.”
“You just want another guy on your team that is like-minded and is just willing to do anything that it takes for us to win. I think it’s a good relationship so far. We can be transparent to each other about how we’re playing, good or bad. So I think it will be good moving forward.”
This relationship, based on mutual respect and a shared goal of success, comes at an interesting time for Leonard and the Clippers. Over the past few years, Leonard has had different star teammates, including Paul George and Russell Westbrook, both of whom brought their own unique style of play.
However, Leonard recognizes that Harden is a different kind of facilitator and player. While he doesn’t see Harden as a savior, Leonard knows that Harden’s ability to create plays and facilitate can be a huge asset to the team.
For Leonard, having a teammate with whom he can share unfiltered feedback is crucial to their success on the court. This level of honesty and openness creates a foundation of trust, which will be essential as the two stars try to lead the Clippers to playoff success.
One of the main concerns about the Clippers in recent seasons has been the health and availability of their key players. Leonard and George often struggled with injuries, which derailed the team’s postseason hopes. With George now gone, Harden steps in as Leonard’s new co-star, and the hope is that their partnership can bring more stability. Leonard’s candid assessment of their relationship and the team dynamic suggests he’s optimistic about how things will unfold.
Leonard’s no-nonsense approach to basketball is well-known. He’s focused on winning, and he’s willing to adapt his game to fit with Harden’s style. But what’s clear is that Leonard doesn’t rely on any one player to carry the team. He understands the collective effort required to win games and believes that Harden’s presence will complement the team’s strengths.
As the Clippers head into the 2024-25 season, the duo of Leonard and Harden will be a focal point. Leonard’s honesty about their relationship and his straightforward expectations set the tone for what could be a defining year for the Clippers.
If Harden and Leonard can stay healthy and work in tandem, their combined talent and experience could push the Clippers deep into the playoffs. However, as Leonard has made clear, success will come down to their ability to communicate, sacrifice, and play at their best when it matters most.
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