James Harden is no longer the dominant scorer who won MVP honors and All-NBA selections.
His numbers have fallen from peak times, where he produced over 30 points and over 10 assists per game.
However, last season he marked redemption for James Harden. He returned to the All-Star Game after two years of absence, winning his first All-NBA selection since 2019-20, landing on the third team.
Harden’s scores increased compared to the previous three seasons for the Los Angeles Clippers, but remained productive with 8.7 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game.
NBA insider Tim McMahon praises the transformation and calls Harden the league’s best facilitator.
“James Harden at this stage of his career may be perhaps the best tablesetter in the NBA. He’s not the guy trying to score 35 a night. He’s the guy everyone wants to be involved. He’s just helped Norman Powell have a career and Ivika Zubak just helped his career,” explained Macmahon.
This shift from individual domination to team facilitation has produced significant results for his teammates.
Ivica Zubac appeared as one of the top NBA centers and defensive players. The Croatian big man scored career-high numbers with 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game.
Norman Powell transformed into a prolific scorer, averaging 21.8 points and shot an efficient 48.4% from the 3-point range.
These improvements were directly correlated with Harden’s willingness to share responsibility and create opportunities for others.
McMahon believes this evolution will harden and maximize the possibilities of Bradley Beal’s new partnership.
McMahon considers Beale an ideal complement to Harden’s current approach, especially given the efficiency and versatility of veteran security guards.
“He’s not only trying to pay himself off from an energy standpoint, but he’s trying to find a way to win, and he’s getting a guy like this (beer).
McMahon has recognized the competitive landscape of the Western Conference, but the combination could boost the Clippers’ championship aspirations.
“I don’t know if the Clippers will make playoff runs, but they have the potential. I mean, the West is very loaded. If the Clippers are in the east, they might be the best team in the east.”
The Clippers gathered interesting rosters with Beer Addition, John Collins and Backup Center Brook Lopez, but lost Powell in the process.
If Kawhi Leonard remains healthy along with the other stars, Clippers could emerge as a legal candidate as Harden could have the opportunity to win his first ring.