When it comes to superstars in the NBA, each one of them has a large workload for their team. They must be a step ahead of everyone else, both offensively and defensively, as this is more than just a task assigned to them; it is a responsibility.
However, at a certain point later in their career, coaches eventually realize that if there is a way to alleviate pressure, they must do so immediately. This can extend their time in the league, as injuries are unpredictable but less likely to occur with less time on the floor.
Furthermore, head coach Tyronn Lue, along with the offseason focus of Lawrence Frank, made it clear that James Harden would have a smaller workload next season. They want him to be dominant, healthy, and ready to be consistent in the postseason, so taking the ball out of his hands in the regular season will be something Lue will capitalize on.
On the contrary, Harden is a ball-dominant guard, and having him play the offensive side of the ball with the rock elsewhere will go against his wishes.
Tyronn Lue will want James Harden to play off the ball more next season
Going from being the highest utilized player on the LA Clippers one season to a notable drop off in the next is a transition James Harden has never had to make. He is familiar with the superstar spotlight and its accompanying duties, as evidenced by his last major change, when he transitioned from sixth man to face of the franchise for the Houston Rockets.
However, having to always be the ball handler, offensive initiator, and primary scoring option comes with a massive physical toll, and Tyronn Lue is confident he will avoid it next season. This means the former MVP could play a lot of minutes with Chris Paul, allowing him to adopt a new style of cutting to the basket and moving around for catch-and-shoot three-pointers.
Harden may not be an All-Star or All-NBA guard next season, or even average 20 points per game, but if the reward is him staying healthy and having enough in his tank for the playoffs, Lue views this as a massive win.
That said, Harden will still want to be the primary option, but who gets the ball and where is up to Lue. If he decides that he wants his superstar guard to thrive off the ball, that will ultimately be the outcome.