The LA Clippers got off to a promising start to the fresh season with two back-to-back wins. It seemed special because the team was able to pull it off without their core stars, like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. While The Klaw is out indefinitely with his knee injury, PG had parted ways in the offseason. So, it’s all up to James Harden to shoulder the side alone until Leonard gradually finds his way back into the rotation. Amid this situation, Beard opened up about his role in the side in the thick of Coach Ty Lue’s expectations.

The former MVP has had a quiet few years in the league, averaging in the early 20 points. Notably, in the previous season, it took a massive dip to 16.6 ppg. Not to forget the star’s consistent 30+ ppg in the late 2010s. One of the major reasons for the star’s offensive dip could be his team-up with stars like Joel Embiid, Kevin Durant, and Paul George, as they share the load. Nevertheless, Harden may have to go back to his Houston Rockets, considering the Clippers’ situation. Let’s find out what he has to say for himself.

In the latest interview with the NBA Insider, Shams Charania, at the Intuit Dome, James Harden had a lot to say. Firstly, he added, “I’ve been in situations like this, you know, where we have not as much talent as other teams. But that’s where my leadership role has really, really kick in.”

Moreover, the star guard spoke about his new role and said, “My role doesn’t change like my usage rate is going to be higher so I get more opportunities. You know me coming here was for aspirations of winning a title. For me, the role doesn’t change.” Importantly, Charania highlighted the statement, specifically after the thumping win over the in-form Warriors. Does it really mean something?

What are Ty Lue’s expectations from James Harden?

In the Clippers’ latest visit to Chase Center, James Harden enabled an elite basketball performance from his teammates. Especially taking on a team with a deep roster, Harden held control throughout the game, keeping the Warriors at Bay. He finished the game with 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 11 assists to guide the inexperienced Clippers to a 104-112 win.

Looking at Shams Charania’s timely IG story after the Clippers win, Harden seemed to have achieved what he said. Moreover, Coach Ty Lue had his own expectations from Harden amid Paul George and Kawhi Leonard’s absence. Notably, Lue’s expectations matched with Harden’s preparation for the season.

Lue expects the veteran guard to take more responsibilities, saying, “scoring the basketball more and taking more shots… a dynamic playmaker also. With the responsibility of being the best players being Kawhi [Leonard] and James [Harden] they got to make everyone else better as well.” 

On the other hand, speaking of Leonard’s indefinite absence, Lue added, “We need him to be special until Kawhi [Leonard] gets back.” So what do you make of the Clippers’ run so far with Harden as the lead orchestrator? Let us know in the comments below.