James Harden Discussed His Disappointing Clippers Opening

In an attempt to improve their standing by acquiring former MVP James Harden and matching him with All-Stars Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard, the Los Angeles Clippers executed a significant deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. Since then, though, the Clippers’ fortunes haven’t been great.

After losing to the Denver Nuggets 111-108, the Clippers have now dropped their sixth straight game since the Harden deal. While he still has to establish synergy with his new teammates and occasionally seemed lethargic, the shooting guard scored 21 points and played 35 minutes in the defeat.

James Harden talked about his challenges

Harden has accepted his lackluster performance thus far in Los Angeles and told The Associated Press on Wednesday morning that it is due to his inability to attend a training camp before his debut of the season.

“I was kind of learning on the fly since I didn’t have a preseason or training camp, as I kept saying. Getting in shape like James Harden as well. Tonight was unquestionably an additional positive step as things continue to get better.”

James Harden

James Harden Trade

Since the Clippers opened the 2023–24 season with a 3–7 record, Harden has averaged 15 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in five games.

James Harden, P.J. Tucker, and Filip Petrusev were acquired by the Clippers as a trade for Marcus Morris, Robert Covington, Nic Batum, KJ Martin, two unguarded first-round selections in 2028, a 2029 pick swap, and an extra first-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

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