When it comes to the modern NBA and its landscape, load management is frequently a topic of discussion. No one is more painfully aware of this fact than the LA Clippers fanbase. After going through five years of having Paul George and Kawhi Leonard as the faces of their franchise, Clipper nation is largely sick of hearing about their players missing games.
It is the reason why some fans feel ready to bite the bullet and simply move on from Kawhi. But while the fanbase waits for Leonard to suit up once again, James Harden has been the guiding veteran presence this team needs. Norman Powell may be LA's leading scorer, but Harden has shown himself to be a class professional and a leader time and again.
Recently, Clippers fans were reminded of how Harden feels about load management. A clip surfaced on social media that showed Harden during an NBA TV interview from his Houston Rockets days.
When asked about what his thoughts on load management were, Harden's first words were telling. "What is that?" he asked, which prompted some laughter from the NBA TV crew.
Harden on Load Management: https://t.co/YRZyWW2T5U pic.twitter.com/c7zeQwR5Fu
— Moe🦅☔️ (@MoeSlatty) November 19, 2024
Harden has never been a fan of load management
"I'm a hooper," Harden continued. "I love to hoop. I know hooping isn't going to be here forever, so I love to get out there and compete. The best days are when your legs are a little tired and your shot isn't falling. Those are the best days, because you got to figure a way to get through it. So I love to go out there and compete and hoop."
In an era where players are known to take days off and rest to save up more energy for later, Harden is truly an old-school player in this way. Clippers fans are no doubt thrilled to be reminded that one of their franchise players feels this way. After years of PTSD from the lengthy injury reports filled with star players resting, hearing Harden talk like this feels like a breath of fresh air.
This video clip was brought up after it was mentioned that Tyronn Lue disclosed Harden played through an illness on Monday night in the Clippers' win over the Warriors. This is the kind of energy fans in LA need right now, and it is sure to only make Clipper nation love uno even more.