James Harden is at the very bottom of the list of players to blame for the LA Clippers' 5-13 record, and the truth is, the only reason his name is even there is that he is on the team. However, the Clippers' offense has become redundant and repetitive because Tyronn Lue is favoring Harden's iso game.
Thus, to realize their potential and gain breathing room in the Western Conference standings, LA needs ball movement, not the former MVP flashing fancy dribble moves and wasting valuable seconds on the shot clock.
Harden's thinking is to call for a screen, hit several between-the-legs and behind-the-back moves to rock the defender to sleep, then fly by into the paint at the least expected moment, or leave enough bait to be bitten to where he can find an open look from a step back three-pointer.
This style lures fans to tune in, as it is entertaining to watch a former MVP break ankles at 36, but the number of passes made and catch-and-shoot efficiency contradict each other, suggesting the Clippers need a new variation of basketball.
Quality shot attempts will quickly yield wins for the LA Clippers
There is no shortage of ball movement around James Harden, but it is the type that is the problem. Harden is simply standing still, in control, for too long, even as his teammates cut, which limits the number of hands that touch the ball in a single possession.
Tyronn Lue knows the first rule of the half-court: everyone must have possession of the rock at least once before a shot goes up. The LA Clippers are clearly not following it, as they are 22nd in the NBA in passes made per game, which explains why their fluidity is a confounding factor in their 13 losses.
On the contrary, the Clippers are a borderline top-ten team in catch-and-shoot three-point percentages, at 11th, with Kawhi Leonard at 52.6%, Harden at 50.0%, Kris Dunn at 39.5%, and John Collins at 37.0%.
Moreover, Lue must focus much more on player and ball movement, which will affect Harden more than any other player in the rotation. This switch will be formidable, yet it needs to be done.
That said, the Clippers transitioning into a more college-like offense will save their season. There will be a lot less one-on-one from Harden and more quick playmaking, leaning on players to take shots off the catch, where they excel.