There is a ton of excitement leading up to the LA Clippers' season. In one week when the Clippers tip off at Intuit Dome against the Phoenix Suns, it will not just be the beginning of any season in Los Angeles. With a new home arena, new uniforms and a new roster, it will be the start of a new era of Clippers basketball altogether.
But with that new and exciting feeling also comes some natural uncertainty. There is no guarantee this team will mesh and become what they are capable of, and they will be going up against a slew of talented teams in the Western Conference yet again.
Perhaps the most jarring uncertainty the Clippers will be faced with this season pertains to their best player. Kawhi Leonard is still dealing with injury troubles concerning his knee that has been bothering him since the spring, and there is no guarantee he will be available on opening night. Such circumstances threaten to derail LA's entire season.
As the Clippers' fanbase anxiously waits for more injury updates regarding Leonard, Ty Lue gave a promising statement at a press conference this week. Speaking about James Harden, Lue made it clear that Harden is both mentally and physically ready to step up and carry this team in Kawhi's absence.
Ty Lue says James Harden is mentally and physically ready to carry the Clippers pic.twitter.com/EbeJ1BHj1E
— Kelli Johnson (@KelliJohnsonTV) October 15, 2024
Lue: Harden is ready to carry the Clippers
When asked if James was up to that challenge, Ty's answer was a resounding yes. "I think so. He's been great," said Lue. "All camp, we did a lot of running ... He's done all the right things, he's been a great leader on and off the floor. He's been in this situation a lot of times in Houston, so he's up to the challenge."
This is great to hear from the head coach in talking about the player that the team will undoubtedly need to be their leader if Kawhi Leonard remains out. Harden will be the best and most experienced player the Clippers put on the floor should Leonard be forced to miss extended time.
Kawhi potentially having to sit on the sideline again would create a big need for a clear leader on the roster, and Harden being willing to step into that role should be thrilling for Clippers fans to hear. As Lue points out, James has plenty of experience carrying a roster from his Rockets days, so it would be far from unmarked territory for him.
Assuming the worst and considering the possibility that Leonard may have to miss the beginning of the regular season, having Harden take pride in leading this group in the interim is the best scenario possible for this Clippers team. Difficult times require proven leaders stepping up, and that is precisely what James Harden appears to be doing.