Title: James Harden Clarifies Statements about Philadelphia, Aims to Make a Championship Run with the Clippers
Date: November 2, 2023
Author: Ohm Youngmisuk, ESPN Staff Writer
Word Count: 5 Minutes Read
Newly acquired guard James Harden recently spoke out about his time with the Philadelphia 76ers, clarifying his previous comments about feeling “on a leash” during his stint with the team. Harden, who joined the Los Angeles Clippers, expressed his hope to change negative narratives surrounding him and prove himself as an elite star capable of fitting in with the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook.
At his introductory news conference held at the Clippers’ facility in Playa Vista, Calif., Harden shed some light on what went wrong during his time in Philadelphia. The guard mentioned sacrificing millions of dollars and adjusting his style of play to try and help the team succeed. Despite this, Harden felt that the 76ers’ front office did not want him, leading to his departure from the team.
Harden’s first workout with the Clippers took place on Thursday, and he remains on track to make his debut with the team against the New York Knicks on Monday at Madison Square Garden. Clippers coach Ty Lue will have a four-day break to integrate both Harden and P.J. Tucker into the team’s offense before embarking on a three-game road trip in New York.
The former Houston Rockets star, known for his impressive assists record, hopes to fully unleash his playing style under Lue’s leadership. Harden expressed feeling constrained in Philadelphia, limiting his ability to showcase his offensive prowess alongside Joel Embiid.
Regarding his comments about being “on a leash,” Harden clarified that it wasn’t just about his shot attempts but rather about having the freedom to be creative on the court. He emphasized the importance of having a coach who trusts, understands, and can have a dialogue with him during games to make adjustments on the fly.
The Clippers see Harden as a key player who can elevate the team and make things easier for Leonard and George. The quartet of stars, all having experienced previous success, are committed to sacrificing for the greater good and working together to bring the Clippers their first NBA championship.
Moreover, the fact that all four players grew up in Southern California further adds to their bond and desire to achieve something special in their home state. Harden, who has previously played alongside Westbrook during their time in Oklahoma City and Houston, considers him one of the reasons behind his desire to join the Clippers, as Westbrook also has something to prove.
Harden drew comparisons between the Clippers and the situation he faced in Brooklyn alongside Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving before injuries derailed their aspirations. He expressed confidence in his ability to contribute both on and off the ball, highlighting his scoring skills, passing prowess, and adaptability to various offensive roles.
Looking ahead, Harden is determined to prove himself with the Clippers, aiming to showcase his elite individual skills while seamlessly fitting into the team’s dynamic. For him and his teammates, statistics and personal accolades are secondary to their shared goal of bringing a championship to Los Angeles.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Harden and the Clippers as they seek to silence the skeptics and make a strong push towards their ultimate goal of winning an NBA championship.