Stock soaring for 2 Clippers, while 2 are fading fast to begin 2023-24

Fading fast: James Harden

The James Harden era in LA has certainly gotten off to a rough start. After the Clippers orchestrated the trade to bring him in on October 30, the expectation was that things would look a lot different from day one.

That has absolutely been the case to this point, and not in a good way. It was understood that adding Harden to the mix meant incorporating yet another former MVP that would likely need the ball in his hands a lot to be effective.

It is still early, but that is what has been playing out on the court through Harden’s two games with the team. His shooting splits and box score numbers are not particularly ugly, but those who have watched how he looks within the flow of the game can tell you it is far from a seamless fit so far.

What was once a much more free-flowing offense has stalled a bit, and the Clippers have failed to break 100 points in their two games with Harden on the floor (both losses). Players are having to learn new roles to accommodate the changing schemes that come with James Harden on the roster.

Things can still be turned around, but it is safe to say Harden’s stock is down for the time being.