If a survey had been given to fans on the next step for franchise superstar James Harden after the regular season, most would have agreed to write him a blank check that fell into whatever terms he desired. This is because he proved he is ‘The System’ and can still be the lead workhorse on a 50-win squad.
However, game seven in Denver allowed fans to fully fathom why the NBA Community had always underlined his lows. He simply cannot regard himself as the leader of a system if he runs from the pressure when the world specifically has its eyes on him.
Furthermore, Harden’s seven points in the seventh game against the Denver Nuggets is undoubtedly in the frame of some of the most atrocious playoff outings from a player named into the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
Granted, the former MVP did have 13 assists and only two turnovers in 35 minutes, but to climb the playoff bracket, head coach Tyronn Lue needed his point guard to shoot over 25 attempts from the field. If he misses, the results are to be lived with, but knowing Harden only had eight attempts in an elimination game as a three-time scoring champion is frustrating for the fanbase.
Nonetheless, Harden has a player option this summer, and the Clippers’ front office should negotiate with him on deciding where he plays next.
James Harden should not be brought back into a Clippers uniform next season after his game-seven presentation
James Harden is a generational, elite regular-season performer and leader. When told he must make the playoffs, Harden is who he says he is. This is why he has always been on the playoff stage for 16 successive years rather than watching his NBA peers perform from his couch.
Though Harden has never been on the outside looking in, what happened this season made his playoff narrative even steeper. Consequently, the front office must refrain from further employing him.
Harden has a player option, and if he accepts, Steve Ballmer and Lawrence Frank must discuss a trade destination with his party. He will always be a legend for Clipper Nation, but how he executed a win-or-go-home battle must not be ignored.
The front office should do its best to accommodate Harden’s wants and ensure the process does not end bitterly. But the moral of the story is that he painted his future with the franchise by scoring less than ten points with the season in jeopardy.