Star guard James Harden will make his first appearance of the 2023/24 season on Monday, according to Shams Charania and Law Murray of The Athletic (Twitter link), who reports that Harden will make his Clippers debut in New York vs. the Knicks.
The expectation, per The Athletic’s duo, is that Harden will start alongside Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Ivica Zubac.
There had been some speculation that Westbrook might be moved to the bench to play the sort of sixth man role he did with the Lakers during the first half of last season. That would allow the Clippers to stagger their ball-dominant players a little more. However, it sounds like the team will look to make it work with a starting five that features a pair of former MVPs in the backcourt alongside star forwards George and Leonard.
Harden had yet to play this season for Philadelphia prior to Wednesday’s blockbuster trade that sent him to Los Angeles, but 76ers head coach Nick Nurse and Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue both told reporters that the 34-year-old looked great in practices, so he wasn’t expected to require an extended ramp-up period.
The Clippers last played on Wednesday and are in the midst of four consecutive days off, giving them ample time to get Harden up to speed. The club’s other newcomer, P.J. Tucker, played nearly 21 minutes on Wednesday, about 12 hours after the trade was officially finalized.
How tight is that jersey going to look on him? Harden going to be out there serving body and assist.
And he’ll have to sit out Wednesday due to exhaustion.
Westbrook, Harden, Kawhi, PG all in the same starting lineup?
Damn, that would’ve been crazy 10 years ago.
Too bad there’s 0 shot that works now with how ball dominant they all are
No way they all stay healthy enough for it to matter.
Russ has no health concerns. He was only ever injured based on a cheap shot. Most other injures like a broken bone in face he plays. The other 3 though they will miss time for soreness.
My prediction
playoffs lock by order
Nuggets
Clippers
Warriors
Lakers
Suns
Wolves
7th and 8th seed
Mavs
Grizzlies
Lottery teams
Kings
Pelicans
Thunder
Good post Sillivan but I’ll disagree on the Kings. Remember they were the number 3 seed in the conference last year and they’re running it back with the same squad.
Don’t be phased by this rough stretch to start the season. It’ll work out. Remembered Fox is out with an injury so he’ll be back soon.
I think,
Nuggets
Warriors
Clippers
Mavs
Kings
Lakers
Suns
Wolves
Better.
They should bring Harden off the bench. He could help the second unit with his instant offense and be as ball dominant as he wants.
When double or triple teamed, kick it to a shooter. Done deal.
It would be a MASSIVE mistake to mess with the success Westbrook is having right now in the starting lineup.
He’s playing his best ball in 3 years. Why screw it up?
It’s not like Harden is on a long-term deal and you need to make him happy and fit in. It’s a one-year experiment deal.
They will start them but stagger quickly. I expect them to lineup change about 5-6 minutes. Russ and PG stay in they can play that faster tempo together. Harden and Leonard can play together when those two rest.
that’d be my take too, until someone’s groin or hammy starts acting up.
Talk of Westbrook going back to the bench? As he did with the lakers?
That was a massive failure and they even got rid of him because it was so bad.
Keep Russell Westbrook in the starting lineup and bring James Harden Off the Bench for instant offense.
He’s the Perfect combo guard and I don’t care if he whines or not. He’s perfect and can play the one, can play the two, shoots it well.., he’s perfect to come off the bench.
Chris Paul doesn’t seem to have a problem with it to help the team win. Is James Harden willing to do the same for the good of the team?
Smart. And I think Lue is.
Well, James Harden needs love too
However, I am glad he is gone !!!!!
Harden and Westbrook in the same backcourt results in a defensive disaster,a turnover debacle,who can’t finish at the rim first,which atrocious shot selection makes espns are you kidding me and the NBA’s worst trade of 2023.
So, Tuesday is trade demand day then?
Beat me to it… lol
Can the Clips deal him again right away, or do they need to wait until closer to the deadline? If they can now, Harden asks for a trade tonight after they lose to the Knicks. If he has to wait a certain amount of days until they can move him, he’ll start the countdown on his social media accounts immediately.
Though, there are good gentlemen’s clubs and Mexican food in LA isn’t there?
I’m guessing there is a waiting period. Might not even be able to again this season..but I doubt that would stop him from demanding one.
After all, he demanded 1 right after opting into his deal with the Sixers and blamed everyone but himself for not getting what he wanted.