Everyone is still getting used to this new-look LA Clippers team, and that includes the players and coaches. It will take some time for fans to adjust to all the new additions on the roster, and the team will have a learning curve when it comes to understanding how to operate alongside one another.
Ty Lue is still one of the best coaches in the NBA, but getting this roster to produce at a high level still may not happen overnight. Getting players to understand and buy into new roles is not always an easy task, and egos will have to be managed just as much as on-court talent is in some ways.
With that said, there are already some more obvious ways in which certain guys will contribute in the upcoming season. For James Harden, that apparently will look like getting back to his old ways in terms of being more aggressive with the ball in his hands.
Harden shared how he sees his role changing with Paul George now off the roster at the Clippers' media day on Monday. "Aggressive," he said. "Last year, we tried to figure it out, with guys and their roles ... It was pretty difficult. This year for me, I've got a clear space in what I need to be doing."
James Harden on how his game will change without Paul George: "Aggressive. Last year, we tried to figure it out, with guys and their roles... It was pretty difficult. This year for me, I've got a clear space in what I need to be doing." pic.twitter.com/KOkmBu18Kf
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) September 30, 2024
Harden plans to be more aggressive
This makes a lot of sense when it relates to team needs. The Clippers obviously have less offensive fire power with George now out of the equation. Kawhi Leonard is younger than Harden, but he has a much more lengthy injury history than James. Thus, without another prolific offensive talent on the roster at the moment, it would only make sense for Harden to step in and do more.
Last season, LA had so many different offensive options that it was a little difficult to figure what to do. The problem of "too many cooks in the kitchen" was brought up basically the minute the team traded for Harden while still employing Russell Westbrook as well. Now, there will be more room in the proverbial kitchen for Harden to operate.
While the thought of an unleashed James Harden can be exciting given he was once the most prolific scorer in the association, we also have to remember he is not who he once was. Harden getting more of a green light should be a benefit to the Clippers' offense, but it is doubtful that it will fix everything.