Fans of the LA Clippers have been pacing left and right, all season, wondering whether James Harden dreams about his fit on a contender that can actually win. However, he could work his way towards another city without requesting a trade, as his recent production suggests his ball dominance cannot coexist with Kawhi Leonard.
Harden played great last night versus the Minnesota Timberwolves, with 34 points, six assists, five rebounds, and four steals.
But, before this loss, since Leonard’s return against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Harden shot 38.3% from the field, 28.1% from a distance, and had a season-low of 11 points in Miami, with five turnovers.
Thus, if Harden’s physical presence is with the Clippers, but his heart has fallen in love with a team like the Houston Rockets, he could easily just play his way out of LA and into the situation he has such high desires of being in.
One basketball is not enough to satisfy James Harden’s high usage
While Kawhi Leonard was out for ten games, James Harden was attempting 20.4 shots per game. His points were high, at an efficient average of 32, and so were his assists, at an average of 8.2, but that was because Tyronn Lue wanted the ball in his hands at all times.
Additionally, Harden had a usage rate of 32.1 while he was the lone superstar for the LA Clippers.
Leonard returned and swiped Harden of the team’s highest usage over the last eight games, posting an even higher rate of 32.8.
Furthermore, Harden is not necessarily in a shooting slump. He should be given the benefit of the doubt in having a difficult time adjusting to the Clippers’ second option role, but his struggles are also a matter of structural ball dominance that will always belong to the two-time champion.
Lawrence Frank must look at these numbers, then match them in a system that needs a point guard, like the Houston Rockets.
Houston would do just fine without a trade, but Fred VanVleet was unfortunately ruled out with a season-ending injury before the opener. Therefore, the Rockets need the former MVP and have Kevin Durant to help with recruitment, as they have a great relationship and would love to become Batman and Robin once more.
That said, fans are worried if Harden will arrive at Lawrence Frank’s office with a trade request, yet the front office could already be working on one to his favored destination.