Teams should take James Harden, an 11-time All-Star and former league MVP, as a sign that they’re prepared to make a big swing. He is expected to sign a two-year, $81.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers. He was when you consider he didn’t get the lion’s share of touches last year. He averaged 22.8 points and 8.7 assists in his games played for the team. The 35-year-old guard’s deal includes a player option in the second year. It’s technically somewhat guaranteed, further representing his value to the franchise.
Harden took the offseason’s biggest gamble by opting out of a $36.3 million player option. This important decision signals that he is willing to invest in his long term success with the Clippers. He certainly redeemed himself this season with a career year. Consequently, he received All-NBA recognition for the first time since the 2019-20 season. He was a game-changer in the regular season. Over 79 games, the highest total he’s appeared in since the 2016-17 season, he posted a season line of 1,500 points, 500 assists, 100 steals, and 50 blocks.
The challenges continue to mount for the Clippers this season. Perhaps most glaringly, they flailed without their best player, Kawhi Leonard, who missed almost all of the season. That Harden had played at an elite level and always made himself available. His work led the team to a remarkable 50-win season, their first playoff appearance since 2006. His contributions on the court were equally critical. In addition to his impressive per minute numbers, he finished the season ranked fifth in the league for minutes played.
Since joining the Clippers, Harden has created a lucrative joint venture with the franchise. Through this experience, he proves that he has the creativity and perseverance to succeed in this new frontier. As a scorer and playmaker, his presence has meshed well with some of the promising young assets around him and brought the floor leadership that’s been missing. As he prepares to start this new chapter with the Clippers, both Harden and the organization are optimistic about their future success together.
Leave a Reply