Most point guards in the NBA are stuck to defending players of the opposing backcourt, and that is generally how the game is played. Then, of course, there are the taller and stronger guards like LaMelo Ball and Luka Doncic that are usually covered by a wing that can match interior and perimeter versatility.
However, the LA Clippers did not run a positional-defensive scheme last season. Kris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr. would take turns covering superstar for superstar, with Ivica Zubac having one assignment: shut down the paint.
This strategy left James Harden juggling the tasks of players who had more strengths than he did in certain areas, such as rebounding on the glass. A prime example was in the playoffs, versus the Denver Nuggets in game three, where the 11-time All-Star was uncomfortably left on the court to prevent Aaron Gordon from having the opportunity at a tip-in.
Yet, Harden is a six-foot-five, 220-pound guard, so it was a risk Tyronn Lue took to have him on the backside of the defense trying to seal a board over one of the most athletic big men in the world in Gordon.
The Clippers still had a chance at the series after this play, but Harden's failure in an uncomfortable situation forced Lawrence Frank to acquire an elite backline rebounder.
John Collins was the lucky winner, and he has averaged 8.1 rebounds in 472 games, tremendously helping the former MVP on defense.
James Harden will comfortably cover players of his size and strength next season with John Collins in the paint
James Harden is stronger than most point guards, but he is not fit to slow down power forwards from doing what they are trained to do. Aaron Gordon exposed him best with a tip-dunk at the buzzer that indirectly handed the LA Clippers a reason to hunt John Collins from the Utah Jazz.
Had Collins been in the same situation, he would have snagged Nikola Jokic's airball out of the sky himself and sealed a win that essentially decided the series. Yet, Harden left the iconic slam dunk contestant out of sight.
That said, Collins in the starting lineup keeps Harden in the front half of Tyronn Lue's zone coverages, such as a 2-3 zone. This is where he is best, as the recent third-team All-NBA guard will easily deflect the ball, and the Wake Forest product can stick to clearing space for every rebound.