Kris Dunn details the biggest vocal leaders on this Clippers team

Less than one week remains before the regular season opener for the LA Clippers, and plenty of challenges lie ahead. With Kawhi Leonard officially set to miss the start of the 2024-25 season, others will be forced to step up if this team is to avoid falling into a big hole before their best player can get back on the hardwood.

What that might look like is James Harden embracing a bigger role in multiple ways. Ty Lue has already expressed that he believes Harden is ready both mentally and physically to carry this team in a similar fashion to how he did with the Houston Rockets during his years as an MVP finalist. His leadership during the beginning stages of this season could prove massive for the Clippers' playoff chances.

But beyond Harden, there are plenty of other figures on this team ready to take on bigger roles in whatever fashion needed. As Kris Dunn revealed at practice on Wednesday, there are several big personalities on this roster that have taken up the mantle of vocal leaders during this preseason process.

When asked who the loudest players have been in the locker room, on the floor, in practice and in the general day-to-day, Dunn struggled to pick just one name, which is a fantastic sign. "I could go Elijah (Harkless), I can go James (Harden) has been vocal ... I think Norm (Powell) has been doing an unbelievable job. JVG (Jeff Van Gundy), he's on us all day. I give him the trophy."

Dunn lists Jeff Van Gundy as one of LA's biggest vocal leaders

All these names are very telling. Elijah Harkless is playing on a training camp contract, yet he is bringing some of the most energy of anyone on the team. With the kind of situation the Clippers are currently in, that may entice them to keep him around for the regular season as well.

As for James Harden, he has to be one of the least surprising names listed here. His leadership has already been apparent, and it would be natural for him to step up with Kawhi Leonard still yet to practice with the team. We now know that Powell will be a starter next week, so his elevated vocal presence makes sense as well.

And once again, Jeff Van Gundy continues being mentioned by players and other coaches as someone who has had a noticeable effect on this team and their energy. Brought on by Ty Lue to serve as his defensive coordinator, we have heard multiple accounts of the kind of game-changer JVG has been for this squad.

In a time of uncertainty like this, hearing that the Clippers have multiple willing and capable vocal leaders feels like a big plus. These guys will all continue to be big as LA gears up for the start of the regular season.