James Harden appears to be navigating the challenges of aging and adapting to a new role within the Los Angeles Clippers. As LA’s playoff aspirations hang in the balance, questions regarding Harden’s fit and long-term viability are increasingly surfacing.
Kevin O’Connor, on a recent episode of “The Kevin O’Connor Show,” highlighted Harden’s concerning performances against the Lakers, prompting scrutiny of his current form. The statistics paint a stark picture: in four games against the Lakers this season, Harden averaged a mere 14.8 points, accompanied by notable inefficiencies. This trend should be a cause for concern among fans, as Harden’s contribution is considered pivotal for any potential postseason success.
Is It Time For The Los Angeles Clippers To Move On From James Harden?
O’Connor astutely observes the challenges faced by a 35-year-old superstar who relies on burst and shooting ability, both of which have diminished. Legend of Winning echoes this sentiment, stating, “Harden’s tasked with responsibilities beyond what he can currently handle.”
Harden’s intended role was to complement Kawhi Leonard, a dynamic that has yet to fully materialize. Furthermore, with Leonard’s ongoing health issues, Harden is being thrust into a role that may no longer align with his current capabilities, requiring him to serve as a primary scorer and playmaker.
O’Connor suggests a potential avenue for Harden to regain his effectiveness: embracing off-ball opportunities. However, this adjustment has yet to fully materialize. Harden’s apparent discomfort with spot-up three-point attempts restricts the Clippers’ offensive versatility. His long-standing aversion to becoming a spot-up shooter, coupled with his diminishing playmaking prowess, presents a challenge.
As the Clippers continue to fall short of expectations, the question arises: will the team explore alternative roster configurations, potentially prioritizing younger talent? And is the partnership between Harden and the Clippers nearing its conclusion?