James Harden is a Clipper: How much better will he make them?
The biggest news of the week had to be the trade of 11-time All-Star James Harden to the Clippers as the move was long anticipated since the situation in Philadelphia seemed to have ran its course. Now, the Clippers have what could be their last best shot at a title in the George-Leonard era. The obvious answer as to why the Clippers added Harden is that he is still one of the most versatile offensive players in the NBA but his skillset is also a major need to avoid what at times is a stagnant offense. While Westbrook is a playmaker in his own right, Harden's ability to get his own shot while getting easier looks for his teammates could help get the full potential out of the Clippers offense.
Harden led the league in assists last year and with the offensive prowess of his teammates don't be surprised if he is able to do the same this season. Clippers superstar, Paul George spoke highly of his new teammate stating "Another playmaker. Another scorer, leader. Really happy to have him here." With the lineup for the Clippers expected to be Westbrook, Harden, George and Leonard together with Ivica Zubac it will be interesting to see how Head Coach Tyronn Lue spaces out the minute and who may work best in a closing lineup. Expect to see a lot of two man action with Harden on the floor as he was very potent alongside Embiid in the two man game which helped his assist totals.
With the addition of Harden, the Clippers will surely have one of the best offenses in the league but Denver is still the best in the west and a fully healthy Phoenix Suns team are likely the two teams likely to stand in the Clippers way.
Tyrese Maxey's hot start to the season: Why he will benefit most from Harden's departure
A player who I believe will benefit most from the Harden by far is Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey who is making the most of his solidified role as a primary ball handler. No one has had more fluctuation in his role on the Sixers than Tyrese Maxey as when the trade for Harden occurred in the 21-22 season Maxey's was asked to play more off the ball. He then had a successful season last year despite dealing with injuries and fitting into a sixth man role at times. In his 68 games with James Harden Maxey averaged averaged 18.7 points, 3.2 assists and 2.6 rebounds. Now with Maxey taking the reigns as the lead guard and second option behind the reigning MVP in Joel Embiid he has flourished so far this season. Through the first five games, Maxey has averaged 26.2 points. 5.2 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game and allowing the Sixers to remain a serious contender despite the loss of Harden.
If Maxey is able to continue to put up stellar numbers and the Sixers keep winning games he easily could be an all-star and possible make an All-NBA team. Though the Sixers will only go as far as Embiid takes him the Sixers are putting a lot of faith in the young guard and it appears to be paying off so far.
Grizzlies off to a horrendous start
The Memphis Grizzlies have been one of the best teams in the NBA over the past couple years but this season has not gone as planned so far. Through two weeks, the Grizzles are off to their worst start since dropping their first 13 games of the 2002-03 season. At 1-6 the Grizzlies currently have the worst record in the NBA and with their superstar Ja Morant set to miss 18 more games due to suspension it could get much worse before it gets better. Outside of Morant the Grizzlies are missing a lot of their frontcourt depth in key pieces such as Brandon Clarke and Stephen Adams who had season-ending knee surgery. On the bright side, their two young stars in Desmond Bane and the reigning MVP in Jaren Jackson have been playing great though it has not resulted in much success for the team so far. However, it is still very early in the season and if the Grizzlies are able to string together a few wins before Morant comes back they can still possibly contend for a play-in spot later in the season.
Game of the Week- Kawhi drops a game high 38 points, Lebron scores 35 breaking the record for the most points scored by a player in their 21st season. Lakers win a thriller in OT, 130-125
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