For months, speculation has swirled in NBA circles and on social media of how James Harden would fit into the Clippers’ lineup. Would the polarizing point guard start seamlessly alongside fellow All-Stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul Geroge?
Would he step back and let Russell Westbrook handle the ball? Facilitate, score or take a seat if necessary? A system player or a system?
Harden’s Clippers era begins Monday when he makes his debut against the New York Knicks (2-4), giving the team and Clippers’ faithful an opportunity to see if Harden keeps his word about being a team player. He is expected to start for the Clippers (3-1), along with Ivica Zubac, Westbrook, Leonard and George.
In his introductory press conference, Harden talked about the unselfishness of the team and added that, “I’m fine on the basketball, off the basketball. Pick-and-roll, you know, catching and shooting.”
Coach Tyronn Lue told reporters in New York on Sunday that when the two point guards are on the floor together, Westbrook will be the point guard and Harden will be off the ball.
Before leaving on their four-game eastern trip, Lue said he believes this will be a “great working relationship.”
“You just have to understand that we’re going to let James be him but at the same time just doing it in the confines of our team, the team schemes,” Lue said. “What he brings to our team is his passing ability, able to get to the free throw line and get downhill and make plays – which is huge for us.
“It takes a lot of pressure off Kawhi and PG you know, when they get tired, and they don’t have to make every play along with Russ as well. You have another guy who can do that and can actually generate open shots, which is huge for our team.”
Harden told the media in New York on Sunday that he has been watching a lot of video to catch up on the Clippers’ offense and feels physically good after several workouts. His last game was nearly six months ago as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Zubac said he is looking forward to being a recipient of Harden’s passes. He called the 10-time All-Star and former league MVP one of the “best players in the league in the past, whatever, 10 years.
“A guy like that, obviously it’s going to be a big boost to us, and I can’t wait to go out there and see how it is playing with him,” Zubac added.
Zubac said that with any new player, it will take time to smooth out any wrinkles that arise in game situations and to see how roles shake out.
“We got a lot of great players. We’ll figure it out,” Zubac said.
Zubac said nothing Harden does will be a surprise to him. He witnessed many of Harden’s games when the point guard played in Philadelphia and Houston.
“Whoever played with him was tough for me to defend. He’s really good at just keeping him guarding on his back and just playing two-on-one with a big against the other big,” Zubac said.
“And he’s so good with that floater. It’s hard for a big that’s playing between – you got to decide if you want to commit and contest that floater. If you don’t, he’s going to shoot it every time and it’s usually good. And if you leave your big for a dunk, if the other guy pulls in, he’s going to find that cutter or a shooter in the corner.
“I feel like he is so good in that pick-and-roll game and reading the game and being patient when he’s coming off and he got the point guard on his back. So, I’m really looking forward to it.”
Add Bones Hyland to those who are eager to see how this works out.
“Each guy can score, each guy can facilitate,” Hyland said. “So, I feel like it’s going to be really hard for defensive teams to adjust us. We have so many guys that can do everything. I feel like you won’t be able to double(-team) as much. So, it’s definitely a dynamic thing that’s going to be on the floor, all the guys at once.”
CLIPPERS AT KNICKS
When: Monday, 4:30 p.m.
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York
TV/radio: Bally Sports SoCal, 570 AM
