James Harden: Turn Back the Clock!

This season has seen a rival in James Harden's game. The former MVP has struggled to find himself on other teams since leaving Houston in 2019. He has struggled to find his spot on the Nets, 76ers, and Clippers. Injuries and front-office issues plagued him. Fans said, "James Harden is washed." That must have fired up James Harden. People were counting out the Clippers in the playoff race due to Kawhi's injury. But so far in the season he had made others eat their words. James has thrived with elite role players. With how he plays, it feels like we are watching 2015-18 James Harden.

James Harden is one of the greatest offensive players of all time. He is an elite scorer of the past decade and one of the best playmakers. James is great at creating his own shot, which he can use to make a separation to get his shot off. Along with having one of the best floaters in the modern game of basketball. His impact on playmaking is clear. Players like Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac are having career years. The whole roster has benefitted from James's ability to find the role players' spots. Which reminds me of the 2017 season. Where he was able to milk the best out of his supporting cast.

The LA Clippers remind me of the 2017 Rockets team. That season, James Harden was the sole star. He had quality role players, like Eric Gordon, Ryan Anderson, and Clint Capela. Gordon played like a second option, where he was able to win the Sixth Man of the Year. Harden and Capela's pick-and-roll was one of the best guard-big duos in the league. Anderson shot 40 percent from deep. Guys like Amir Coffey and Derrick Jones Jr. thrived with Harden running the offense. Norman Powell has also been playing his peak basketball. He has been perfect playing off of his star player. Being a good off-ball player in LA is awesome, as Harden can create shots for them. What Harden is showing this season is that he can play winning basketball despite being 36 years old.

The Clippers will be scary once Kawhi Leonard is back. Kawhi is a great off-ball player. It will be terrifying to imagine him healthy, playing off of James Harden. It will be awesome to see James Harden create shots for his co- star. Neither player will have to give up their style of play to please each other. Now that Paul George is gone, the duo can play free without having to worry about dividing the rock. James has been able to get the best out the role players around him. Each player knows how to play without the ball. The franchise star can find them in their sweet spots. Which is what makes this Harden season so great. Vintage James Harden is making the role players better on the court.

It's crazy to think. James Harden has played with stars like Paul George, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Kyrie Irving. But his best co- star has been Norman Powell. It's awesome that the former MVP has found his love of basketball. He's doing it by playing with B-tier players. It is true James Harden basketball, which is beautiful to see. A true playmaker who can get you a basket with ease. Fans don't appreciate Harden's game now. But, they'll remember it with fondness later. In year 16, James Harden has been able to lead the Clippers to a winning record. Harden is now the franchise player, leading LA on offense. It reminds me of his Houston days. In 2024, he has been able to turn back time and play in a manner reminiscent of his form in the 2010s.

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