The Los Angeles Clippers made a league-altering move.
They finally managed to land James Harden, getting him alongside P.J. Tucker in return for a couple of picks, a pick swap, and multiple role players.
Needless to say, their depth took a slight bump to get this done, but their starting lineup looks like something out of a video game.
Russell Westbrook will handle point guard duties, with James Harden at the two, and Paul George and Kawhi Leonard joined by Ivica Zubac in the frontcourt.
As expected, the fans had plenty to say about this new-look lineup, but most of them were skeptical of their ability to coexist and/or stay healthy.
All that to still lose to the Mavs
— Kyrie’s Hub (@kyrieshub) October 31, 2023
Not as good in real as it looks on paper
— NBA Expert. (@WhatSeperatesU) October 31, 2023
Russ: 35 and erratic.
Harden: 34 and not as explosive
PG: injuries
Kawhi: injuries
Zubac: dudes still on this poverty franchise after 5 years it’s laughable.Clips just got worse.
— Jeremy Gretzer (@jr_gretzer) October 31, 2023
Over/under 4.5 games played together before injury strikes?
— Ben (@HowUBenFeller) October 31, 2023
There’s only one basketball
— Dub (@adubba_dub) October 31, 2023
Truth be told, this was a no-brainer move by Steve Ballmer’s team.
Worst-case scenario, they now have two former MVPs to carry the load if — when — Kawhi and/or George lose time.
Of course, neither Westbrook nor Harden are in their primes anymore, and they might not be suited to lead a team on their own at this point in their careers, but they can still be impactful players on a contender.
Harden has shown that he can buy into a system and be a team player when he wants, and he was eager to move to L.A., so one could only assume that he’s going to be happy here, at least for a couple of weeks.
The Clippers should now be considered the team to beat in the Western Conference, especially now that Harden’s arrival will give them even more freedom to rest one or two of their stars every now and then.
NEXT:
Insider Reveals James Harden’s Reaction To Clippers Trade
