Picture from the Los Angeles Clippers’ X account
NEW YORK — James Harden “positively” plans to make his Los Angeles Clippers debut on Monday evening at Madison Sq. Backyard.
He can’t be as sure how lengthy it’ll take his new crew to show into the membership he thinks might help him win his first NBA championship.
Harden joined the Clippers final week after lastly getting the commerce he sought from the Philadelphia 76ers for the reason that summer season. He spent latest days watching movie of the Clippers and collaborating in some 5-on-5 exercises together with his new teammates.
He’s prepared to maneuver past that. Requested Sunday if he anticipated to play towards the New York Knicks, Harden responded: “Positively.”
James Harden responds to a reporter’s query as he’s launched as the latest member of the Los Angeles Clippers at a information convention on the NBA baketball crew’s coaching facility Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Picture/Richard Vogel)
The 2018 NBA MVP shares the opponent scoring document on the present Madison Sq. Backyard with Kobe Bryant, having scored 61 factors for Houston on Jan. 23, 2019. He wasn’t that sort of explosive scorer with the 76ers, with a job extra centered on establishing All-Star middle Joel Embiid.
Harden figures to take turns as scorer and distributor with the Clippers, who’ve Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook. Coach Tyronn Lue mentioned Westbrook would largely deal with the purpose guard duties and Harden would play off the ball when they’re on the ground collectively.
The Clippers must be a title contender if these 4 gamers stay wholesome, although Harden has been on groups earlier than whose hopes have been wrecked by premature accidents. So he is aware of all they’ll do is use the season to ensure they’re as prepared if attainable.
“It’s a recreation by recreation, step-by-step and I feel we’re constructing to be actually good within the postseason,” Harden mentioned. “So clearly there’s going to be good instances, some dangerous instances within the NBA season, which I feel each crew goes by that. So I feel for us, it’s simply ensuring we’re ready when it’s time.”
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