The Los Angeles Clippers have discovered success regardless of many slamming them for his or her offseason strategy.
Because the 2024-25 NBA season rolls alongside, it turns into increasingly more evident what a crew can accomplish in any given season. There have been some surprises, and a few disappointments, but there may be loads of room for groups to show a nook for higher or for worse.
One shock crew this season has been the Los Angeles Clippers. They’ve bought a 14-10 file by 24 video games, which is stunning as many had penciled them in to overlook the playoffs earlier than the season given Kawhi Leonard’s lingering damage which has held him out all season. Nonetheless, they’re the No. 6 seed in a loaded Western Convention.
The cohesive play is a superb motive for that, although they’ve bought one star participant actively on the hardwood in James Harden.
When Paul George left the Clippers — doing so with no incoming compensation after choosing a brand new crew in free company — and Leonard’s damage was going to go away him out “indefinitely,” many wrote off the Clippers. Nonetheless 35-year-old Harden has helped lead a cohesive unit to a stunning begin to the season.
How has he been in a position to take action regardless of being an growing old star? By placing in additional work and prioritizing his sleep. He’s not getting within the health club additional alone, both. He’s helped one other standout Clippers participant put in additional work, based on ESPN, and it’s paying off.
“Individuals near Harden informed ESPN he’s devoted to getting essentially the most sleep of his life as he manages enjoying at age 35, and folks near the Clippers mentioned Harden’s creating bond with new assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy has aided the guard’s each day preparation.
“Harden is understood for having fun with life off the courtroom, and nonetheless does, however crew personnel informed ESPN he pours within the work on the ground and is usually a constructive affect in getting teammates, particularly middle Ivica Zubac, into the health club for additional work.”
Given the narrative that was surrounding Harden following his exit from Houston and his way of life, it’s a constructive flip of occasions for him to be a hard-working, constructive affect in Los Angeles. It’s paying off for each he and Zubac, too.
Harden dipped to 16.6 factors per recreation in his first season with the Clippers. He was 34-years-old, so the dip made sense. Nonetheless, he’s bouncing again, returning to 21.6 factors per recreation — on par with the place he’s been since becoming a member of the Philadelphia 76ers within the 2021-22 season.
The Clippers, with this model of Harden, have been a shock crew. Zubac can be having an unimaginable yr, averaging a career-high 14.5 factors and 12.2 rebounds per recreation. They’ve each benefited from improved roles this season.
One other participant who has benefited is Norman Powell, who’s main the crew in scoring at 23.9 factors per recreation. Not solely has it been confirmed in Harden’s strategy, however the present iteration of the Clippers roster is team-oriented, as Powell defined lately.
“I feel this yr we now have guys who’re actually team-oriented and team-focused on each side of the ball who’re prepared to study, develop, and have the mentality of doing no matter it takes to win,” Powell mentioned. “Everyone’s coachable and targeted on the duty at hand. There are not any egos. I feel the environment has been a variety of enjoyable. We’re enjoying pure basketball.”
It’ll be intriguing to see how the Clippers proceed to play this season. Can they continue to be of their present type? What’s their ceiling? Will Kawhi Leonard return from his damage? They’re definitely one of many groups that may stay underneath the highlight this season.
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