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Love him or hate him, James Harden raises ceiling for LA Clippers

By Michael Saenz

HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 24: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets looks on from the bench during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Toyota Center on February 24, 2020 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 24: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets looks on from the bench during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Toyota Center on February 24, 2020 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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As polarizing as he may be, James Harden certainly raises the ceiling for the LA Clippers. 

James Harden has burned a lot of bridges over the last few seasons of his career. From being one of the most beloved stars in Houston, Harden has become one of the most hated or disliked players who has a history of wearing out his welcome quickly.

After being traded to the LA Clippers, Harden is now on his fourth different team in the last four seasons. No matter what you may think of Harden now, his talent and play speaks for itself. He may not be at his peak-peak, but he’s still one of the best playmaking and scoring guards in the league.

Coming off a season in which he averaged 21 points, 11 assists, and six rebounds per game on 39 percent shooting from 3-point range, Harden is a player who’s going to positively impact the Clippers on the floor.

He’s going to take playmaking duties off the shoulders of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook while also helping carry a big load when it comes to scoring the basketball. Not to mention that he’ll help give the Clippers ample opportunities to find time to rest and load-manage Kawhi and PG.

Trading for Harden was a move that the Clippers needed to make.

The late-season addition of Russell Westbrook was an underrated move last year and re-signing him will prove to be important, but it wasn’t enough. Looking at where the Clippers stood after what transpired during the offseason, a big splash was needed. It didn’t happen during the summer, but it finally landed a week into the start of the regular season with the acquisition of Harden.

James Harden could be the missing piece for the LA Clippers

Over the past few seasons, it’s become clear that Kawhi and PG aren’t enough enough to push the Clippers across the finish line. It was evident that the Clippers needed to make another move if they were serious about winning a championship, and they’ve finally done so with the addition of Harden.

And to simply shrug it off because the Clippers made a move for one of the most unpopular players at this point in his career would be a massive mistake.

dark. Next. NBA Trade Rumors: 8 Logical deadline targets for Sixers after Harden deal

Here’s the bottom line: love him or hate him, the Clippers are better today than they were a few days ago because of Harden. Whether it ends up working out or not largely depends on health. But it’s pretty safe to say that the Clippers have a better chance to win the NBA Championship with Harden than they did without Harden. The team’s ceiling has been raised. That’s not a polarizing statement.

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