2 Bold predictions for Clippers in the 2024-25 season

The 2024-25 NBA season has officially started, and the LA Clippers opened the year with a close loss to the Phoenix Suns at Intuit Dome. James Harden's efforts (29 points and eight assists) weren't enough to secure the win, and the Suns managed to escape with a victory in overtime.

It is still very early for definitive answers, so we can only speculate about the team's future, especially with Kawhi Leonard still out of the lineup. However, with expectations of making a deep playoff run and competing for a championship, the stakes are higher than ever. As the Clippers aim to fulfill their winning aspirations, here are two bold predictions for the current season.

James Harden will lead the league in assists

During his Houston days, James Harden was a generational scorer and a franchise player. There is no doubt that his scoring prowess has slowed down over the years, and he is not the offensive threat he once was. However, an older, more mature Harden still has a lot to offer to a team's attacking force, especially considering his elite playmaking ability, which has only gotten better through the years.

The Clippers are loaded with talented scorers who can create their own shots, along with three-point specialists who can really benefit from Harden's ability to dish the ball. Expect him to average around 20 to 25 points while leading the league in assists. Harden will be one of the best point guards in the league while earning his eleventh All-Star appearance.

Kevin Porter Jr. will emerge in a big way

Kevin Porter Jr. has been largely forgotten by NBA fans after being absent from the league for a full year. Porter did not play basketball for around six months while dealing with personal matters before returning to play for Greek club PAOK Thessaloniki, where he averaged 22 points and seven assists in six games, recording a triple-double in one contest. On July 10, he signed with the Clippers and found himself playing a lot of minutes in preseason, a sign that the team will be counting on him to be an asset this year.

Expect KPJ to emerge as a rising star in the league while showcasing his shot-creating and defensive abilities. With the veteran guidance this team provides, the young guard can find a consistent role and elevate the Clippers' offense while proving himself as one of the best perimeter defenders in the league.

Look for him to average career highs in points and assists, solidifying himself as a key factor in the team's success. In a best-case scenario, he could even be a Sixth Man of the Year candidate.