James Harden Sends Warning to WC Opponents as Clippers Star Preaches Chemistry Following Paul George Exit

James Harden is beginning his 16th NBA season. The 35-year-old, 10x All-Star stands as one of the most accomplished players of his era. During his eight seasons with the Houston Rockets (2012-2020), Harden was a powerhouse, averaging 29.6 points, 7.7 assists, and 6.0 rebounds, securing his place among the greats. As the league continues to evolve, Harden’s determination to uplift his current team, the LA Clippers, remains steadfast.

Over the years, age, health, and injuries have undoubtedly played a significant role in altering James Harden’s performance. In the 2023/24 season, he averaged 16.6 points, 8.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists for the 51-win Clippers had last season. Harden was once a three-point shooting machine. However, that status has faded over the years. Frequent team changes since 2020 have impacted him. Injuries have also taken their toll. So, how fit and ready is James Harden for the 2024/25 season?

At the end of the Clippers training camp on Thursday, Harden appeared before the media. He said: “Great, great. I am on the pace at the start of the season and probably not in the best shape I’ve been in about five, six, or seven years so … I don’t really wanna talk. Just wanna go out there and show it. I feel like I’ve been talking too much but I think as a team, we just want to show it, no one is talking.” The LA Clippers are about to face Steph Curry & Co. on Sunday for their first preseason game. It will become crucial for the team, that hasn’t won a single championship so far to do their best. Will James Harden become a crucial key, given the fact that Kawhi Leonard is most likely to miss the preseason period? Is that even a question?

Besides, they’ve had enough talking over the past few months, or shall we say over the years. So, Harden wants to solely focus on the game and he believes his team is pretty strong this time. At the same time, the former MVP is stressing on team chemistry. James Harden believes the Boston Celtics had a real shot at winning last season due to their strong team bond. He thinks the LA Clippers need to build the same chemistry. Only then can they change their path and aim for success.

“That’s very important”: James Harden sheds light on the prioritizing teamwork for the LA Clippers

“How helpful is that with building team chemistry, getting everything together?” the reporter asked James Harden. Well, even if the Beard had chosen to give a vague reply to this question, we know, that deep down all that matters is teamwork. Or as per the reporter- team chemistry. So, the 10x NBA All-Star said: “That’s very important.” Why?

“‘Cause, you know, the earlier you get started and we are for the most part a fairly good team, you know what I mean. So you got teams that has been together, especially their core for 5, 6,7  years. You see Boston, they have been together for a very long time – they finally got their first championship, so team-building chemistry is very very important.” 

James Harden further commented: “For me, I think, I went into a training camp in Scottsdale which we had a couple of weeks ago just to kind the guys hanging out with dinners and things like that. This is very important…kind of away from your family, we have to just work and hang out…..get to know each other, which helps with the core as well, so….this is a great camp for us.” So it looks like, the veteran is going the extra mile to know his teammates better.

This will undoubtedly help them to know how each member’s minds work in tricky situations. Moreover, with Paul George‘s exit, now James Harden can resume his old style of basketball. The aggressive and relentless mode that the fans have missed could make a comeback in the 2024/25 season. So, watch out!

Harden was a phenomenal scorer, leading the NBA in points per game from 2017-18 to 2019-20 (33.7 PPG). Over the years, he’s been effective for the teams he’s been a part of. However, a considerable drop in the points average has been noticed. Nonetheless, James Harden continues to be one of the brightest stars in NBA history. A true terror on the court and a maestro with the B-Ball, the Beard is surely ready to take the arena by storm once again.