Fitting in a rotation or lineup next to James Harden does not take much difficulty, as flaws such as three-point shooting could be evident, and the former MVP will find a way to make everyone thrive. Kris Dunn’s 2024-25 campaign serves as the perfect example, as he shot below 34% from a distance, yet started in 58 games on a team that won 50.
However, to be seen as a perfect fit alongside Harden, there must be a mutualistic on-court relationship, like the one with Ivica Zubac. He could dish the star big man the ball anywhere in the paint, even if the pass were inaccurate, and Zubac would score, adding to his points total and the assist count of the 11-time All-Star.
In the summer, the Clippers were unable to find a player of this caliber to replace Harden. The closest may have been John Collins, yet his concerns are displayed in physicality and ultimately show up not on the sidelines.
Moreover, a player that Harden would have loved is Malik Beasley. He was pivotal in the Detroit Pistons’ culture change, as they were a 44-win sixth seed with Beasley averaging 16.3 points, shooting 41.6% from three-point range in 82 games.
Beasley was a free agent this summer, but with troubles off the court, the Clippers and every other NBA team avoided his expertise. This meant Lawrence Frank was going to spend the team’s money on different targets.
Nonetheless, Beasley was recently given the clear, and the Clippers just finished up their 2025-26 roster, showing that a bit more patience could have placed the three-point specialist in their laps.
The LA Clippers added Brook Lopez and Bradley Beal on a discount, but a bit more time would have created space for Malik Beasley
Lawrence Frank sending the mid-level exception to Bradley Beal and Brook Lopez was a prudent move, one that led to a strong strategy for the LA Clippers’ future. These wishes were fulfilled while Malik Beasley was in the spotlight, albeit in a disappointing manner.
Conversely, if the Clippers had taken a few extra weeks to await the potential green light on Beasley, justifiably saving the mid-level exception, they could have added the best three-point shooter available on a two-year deal to assist James Harden.
Now, one of the Clippers’ rivals with space may sign Beasley before the season begins to strategically cover the ball in heat from beyond the arc and go unconscious in ripping the cords off the net.