In discussions about the trade that sent Darius Garland and a second-round pick to the LA Clippers, everyone is raving about the three-point excellence, playmaking, and shifty handle he’s brought. This is understandable, as each has been on display at a high level. But the fact that Garland has allowed Kawhi Leonard to be himself has flown under the radar, and it deserves more attention.
This is not to say James Harden and Leonard had chemistry issues; that’s not the case at all. They worked well together, had a great relationship, and made it clear that their goal was to win a championship, even though they fell short.
However, Harden also played an absurd amount of isolation, and at times, it disrupted Leonard’s role as the first option. This was a problem, and a clear suffocating type of brand of winning.
Garland is very much different, and ever since returning, he’s made it a point to let Leonard do his thing.
Darius Garland is a better fit with Kawhi Leonard than James Harden
The LA Clippers’ ultimate goal all these years has been to find the right point guard for Kawhi Leonard. They thought they got as close to perfect as possible with James Harden, and it’s been backed up that this was a fair belief.
Credentials? Harden has it. Statistically? He destroys the bar with flying colors. And, theoretically, there is no question, as an absurd amount of gravity flows with him every time he dribbles the basketball; the former MVP is like a magnet for defenders.
But, little did the Clippers know, there is a fit that works better than Harden next to the franchise superstar, and it’s Darius Garland.
How so? It all comes down to the quicker speed at which Garland plays. Right as he dribbles up the court, he has his eyes locked on Leonard, looking to get him into his sweet spots as fast as possible.
If that’s covered, there’s a plan B, finding a catch-and-shoot for Leonard, or a plan C, facilitating a switch so there’s a mismatch to be taken advantage of.
Everything just flows at the snap of two fingers, and the numbers are proof, as Garland, as a Clipper, is playing at a pace of 100.76(highest among those on the court for 10 or more minutes), while Harden was at 97.58 in 44 games in LA this season.
Although Harden’s flashy, dribble-heavy playstyle was nice, Garland does it more effectively, keeping the first option engaged most of the time. This explains the seamless and successful fit for the two-time All-Star.