Brian Windhorst claims that James Harden isn’t in the best shape right now. Despite this, the ESPN analyst believes that the Los Angeles Clippers are considered a top contender in the Western Conference this season.
“James Harden is actually not even in that great of shape,” Windhorst said on the Hoop Collective. “That’s one of the things that the scouts have said is that Harden has been in better shape at this point. But Kawhi (Leonard) looks fabulous.”
“They got a ton of good players. They’re deep. I mean, I would have them in third tier because they’re so old. The Clippers – I’m still not sure about their playoff ceiling… But I think they’re gonna be an awesome regular season team,” Tim Bontemps added.
Harden posted better numbers in his second full season with the Los Angeles Clippers, having averaged 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 8.7 assists, and 1.5 steals on 41.0 percent shooting from the field across 79 regular season appearances. The Beard also earned his 11th NBA All-Star berth.
Los Angeles Clippers draw bold claim from former NBA champion
According to three-time NBA champion Danny Green, the Los Angeles Clippers are under more pressure to win the Larry O’Brien trophy this year than the Los Angeles Lakers, especially after the moves they’ve made this offseason.
“They’re just old as hell bro,” Green said on Inside the Green Room. “And you’re keeping them together. You got James Harden, you paid him again. You got all these people, you have a very short window to win with Kawhi.”
“There’s pressure for them to win, especially with the scrutiny they’re under right now, it just makes the trade look way worse… You haven’t won anything, you haven’t got to the finals,” he added.
