Harden may be coming here?

[esqtvd]

I may receive a storm of derisive abuse for asking this but here goes.

If PG13/Kawhi/Russ are healthy for most of a year, do we really need Harden? Aren't we going to still be a top 5 contender next year even without him?

Anybody getting by the Joker and Denver has a really task ahead, but does Harden get us there? The LA Times had a huge article this morning basically demanding the Clips trade for him, but it made me wonder if one year with Harden is worth the collateral damage the deal may cause to the Clippers' future?

OK, I'll go hide in my bunker now.

you may be right. There is only one basketball to go around and I don't think Harden and Westbrook are a good fit because they both need the ball too much and Westbrook in particular struggles off the ball due to his poor shooting. Harden would help with facilitating though as he does have great court vision

Harden was fine with the Sixers last year. Best plus/minus behind only Embiid. Changed his game to winning basketball just like Russ did with the Clips. The clock is ticking on both of them for a ring. They'll both be on best behavior.

Beard won the NBA assist title and his 38.5% from 3 was his best since age 22. No question he can help. Problem is, aside from two great games, he choked in the playoffs and has never been a great playoff performer anyway. But with KL, PG, and RW to hide behind, a great game now and then will be all that's required.

[Roscoe Sheed]

I may receive a storm of derisive abuse for asking this but here goes.

If PG13/Kawhi/Russ are healthy for most of a year, do we really need Harden? Aren't we going to still be a top 5 contender next year even without him?

Anybody getting by the Joker and Denver has a really task ahead, but does Harden get us there? The LA Times had a huge article this morning basically demanding the Clips trade for him, but it made me wonder if one year with Harden is worth the collateral damage the deal may cause to the Clippers' future?

OK, I'll go hide in my bunker now.

you may be right. There is only one basketball to go around and I don't think Harden and Westbrook are a good fit because they both need the ball too much and Westbrook in particular struggles off the ball due to his poor shooting. Harden would help with facilitating though as he does have great court vision

Harden was fine with the Sixers last year. Best plus/minus behind only Embiid. Changed his game to winning basketball just like Russ did with the Clips. The clock is ticking on both of them for a ring. They'll both be on best behavior.

Beard won the NBA assist title and his 38.5% from 3 was his best since age 22. No question he can help. Problem is, aside from two great games, he choked in the playoffs and has never been a great playoff performer anyway. But with KL, PG, and RW to hide behind, a great game now and then will be all that's required.

I agree- he is still a very good player and if he is your 3rd best player you have a great team. However, his first step has gotten significantly slower over the past 2 seasons and he seems to be out of shape now- so I'm concerned that he will decline further next season. Also, allowing yourself to get so out of shape is dangerous in terms of injury risk at any age- but particularly in one's mid-30s it is ill advised

[esqtvd]

you may be right. There is only one basketball to go around and I don't think Harden and Westbrook are a good fit because they both need the ball too much and Westbrook in particular struggles off the ball due to his poor shooting. Harden would help with facilitating though as he does have great court vision

Harden was fine with the Sixers last year. Best plus/minus behind only Embiid. Changed his game to winning basketball just like Russ did with the Clips. The clock is ticking on both of them for a ring. They'll both be on best behavior.

Beard won the NBA assist title and his 38.5% from 3 was his best since age 22. No question he can help. Problem is, aside from two great games, he choked in the playoffs and has never been a great playoff performer anyway. But with KL, PG, and RW to hide behind, a great game now and then will be all that's required.

I agree- he is still a very good player and if he is your 3rd best player you have a great team. However, his first step has gotten significantly slower over the past 2 seasons and he seems to be out of shape now- so I'm concerned that he will decline further next season. Also, allowing yourself to get so out of shape is dangerous in terms of injury risk at any age- but particularly in one's mid-30s it is ill advised

Harden would be our 4TH best player. Let's set that straight. That's why he wants to come here. In Philly he's the 2ND best player, and he can't handle the pressure. It's all about HANDLING THE PRESSURE. Beard FAILED. Even with the MVP at his side.



The douches around here mock the idea of guys that can ball vs hoop or whatever you want to call it. I never played the game competitively but Jimmy Butler is the perfect example. The Sixers let him go. Now Jimmy has been to the Finals twice and Embiid hasn't smelled them. And they kept Simmons and Tobias.

So let's first admit that James Beard Harden will contribute to a possible title THIS SEASON than anyone who will have to be traded to get him. That's Ballmer's call. Surely you don't think that Terance Mann at age 27 is going to become a star?

And I don't even like Beard very much. He's creepy and selfish and I didn't enjoy even the playoff games he won for the Sixers with 30+ points. And i'm not all stoked to put a decaying ex-superteam of KL-PG-RW-Beard together to win a one-and-done.

NO WAY a decaying superteam of KL-PG-RW-Beard could repeat in 2025. Even if they could pull one title out of their ass.


Again, it's all Ballmer's call. I just ask them to play hard, and I do think that if Beard becomes a Clipper, he will. He might even dive for a loose ball now and then. Because Russ will. And PG will, sometimes. KL, even occasionally, lol. Beard needs some peer pressure.

[NickP]

Harden was fine with the Sixers last year. Best plus/minus behind only Embiid. Changed his game to winning basketball just like Russ did with the Clips. The clock is ticking on both of them for a ring. They'll both be on best behavior.

Beard won the NBA assist title and his 38.5% from 3 was his best since age 22. No question he can help. Problem is, aside from two great games, he choked in the playoffs and has never been a great playoff performer anyway. But with KL, PG, and RW to hide behind, a great game now and then will be all that's required.

I agree- he is still a very good player and if he is your 3rd best player you have a great team. However, his first step has gotten significantly slower over the past 2 seasons and he seems to be out of shape now- so I'm concerned that he will decline further next season. Also, allowing yourself to get so out of shape is dangerous in terms of injury risk at any age- but particularly in one's mid-30s it is ill advised

Harden would be our 4TH best player. Let's set that straight. That's why he wants to come here. In Philly he's the 2ND best player, and he can't handle the pressure. It's all about HANDLING THE PRESSURE. Beard FAILED. Even with the MVP at his side.



The douches around here mock the idea of guys that can ball vs hoop or whatever you want to call it. I never played the game competitively but Jimmy Butler is the perfect example. The Sixers let him go. Now Jimmy has been to the Finals twice and Embiid hasn't smelled them. And they kept Simmons and Tobias.

So let's first admit that James Beard Harden will contribute to a possible title THIS SEASON than anyone who will have to be traded to get him. That's Ballmer's call. Surely you don't think that Terance Mann at age 27 is going to become a star?

And I don't even like Beard very much. He's creepy and selfish and I didn't enjoy even the playoff games he won for the Sixers with 30+ points. And i'm not all stoked to put a decaying ex-superteam of KL-PG-RW-Beard together to win a one-and-done.

NO WAY a decaying superteam of KL-PG-RW-Beard could repeat in 2025. Even if they could pull one title out of their ass.


Again, it's all Ballmer's call. I just ask them to play hard, and I do think that if Beard becomes a Clipper, he will. He might even dive for a loose ball now and then. Because Russ will. And PG will, sometimes. KL, even occasionally, lol. Beard needs some peer pressure.

I'll take that one title no matter where they'll pull it out off.

[esqtvd]

NO WAY a decaying superteam of KL-PG-RW-Beard could repeat in 2025. Even if they could pull one title out of their ass.
Again, it's all Ballmer's call. I just ask them to play hard, and I do think that if Beard becomes a Clipper, he will. He might even dive for a loose ball now and then. Because Russ will. And PG will, sometimes. KL, even occasionally, lol. Beard needs some peer pressure.

I'll take that one title no matter where they'll pull it out off.

You know, Nick, KL-PG-RW-Beard is getting so absurd that even that one ring would be something Ballmer would want to be buried with. And take to the bank.

THREE future Hall-of-Famers getting their first and maybe ONLY championship WITH THE CLIPPERS. [And Kawhi his 3rd. His first two are pretty squirrelly IMO. Not Jordan, Kobe, Lebron. Let's be serious here.]

But if I'm Ballmer I have to wait until January. Adam Silver's stupid tournament over, with 3rd-string bodies flying around worse than Summer League to get a $100,000/man prize. Kawhi and PG still healthy. Russ in the zone.

This Over-The-Hill Gang would have to win a ring or forget it. Worst embarrassment of their careers if not.

[Roscoe Sheed]

Harden was fine with the Sixers last year. Best plus/minus behind only Embiid. Changed his game to winning basketball just like Russ did with the Clips. The clock is ticking on both of them for a ring. They'll both be on best behavior.

Beard won the NBA assist title and his 38.5% from 3 was his best since age 22. No question he can help. Problem is, aside from two great games, he choked in the playoffs and has never been a great playoff performer anyway. But with KL, PG, and RW to hide behind, a great game now and then will be all that's required.

I agree- he is still a very good player and if he is your 3rd best player you have a great team. However, his first step has gotten significantly slower over the past 2 seasons and he seems to be out of shape now- so I'm concerned that he will decline further next season. Also, allowing yourself to get so out of shape is dangerous in terms of injury risk at any age- but particularly in one's mid-30s it is ill advised

Harden would be our 4TH best player. Let's set that straight. That's why he wants to come here. In Philly he's the 2ND best player, and he can't handle the pressure. It's all about HANDLING THE PRESSURE. Beard FAILED. Even with the MVP at his side.



The douches around here mock the idea of guys that can ball vs hoop or whatever you want to call it. I never played the game competitively but Jimmy Butler is the perfect example. The Sixers let him go. Now Jimmy has been to the Finals twice and Embiid hasn't smelled them. And they kept Simmons and Tobias.

So let's first admit that James Beard Harden will contribute to a possible title THIS SEASON than anyone who will have to be traded to get him. That's Ballmer's call. Surely you don't think that Terance Mann at age 27 is going to become a star?

And I don't even like Beard very much. He's creepy and selfish and I didn't enjoy even the playoff games he won for the Sixers with 30+ points. And i'm not all stoked to put a decaying ex-superteam of KL-PG-RW-Beard together to win a one-and-done.

NO WAY a decaying superteam of KL-PG-RW-Beard could repeat in 2025. Even if they could pull one title out of their ass.


Again, it's all Ballmer's call. I just ask them to play hard, and I do think that if Beard becomes a Clipper, he will. He might even dive for a loose ball now and then. Because Russ will. And PG will, sometimes. KL, even occasionally, lol. Beard needs some peer pressure.

You think Westbrook is better than Harden? I guess it's debatable, but I think Harden is better overall.

[esqtvd]

You think Westbrook is better than Harden? I guess it's debatable, but I think Harden is better overall.

I would follow Russell Westbrook into hell. The guy gives 100%. 110% of the time.

PG? I'll follow him. Not much. But OK.

Kawhi doesn't lead so there's no following problem there.

I wouldn't follow James Harden anywhere. Except to the tittty bar. Now that's leadership!!

[MartinToVaught]

Harden was fine with the Sixers last year. Best plus/minus behind only Embiid. Changed his game to winning basketball just like Russ did with the Clips.

Until the playoffs started and he had his usual elimination game meltdown and then quit on his third team in two years. But don't worry, I'm sure we can fix him.

[MartinToVaught]

So let's first admit that James Beard Harden will contribute to a possible title THIS SEASON than anyone who will have to be traded to get him. That's Ballmer's call. Surely you don't think that Terance Mann at age 27 is going to become a star?

You don't have to be a star to contribute to a ring, first of all.

Secondly, when has Harden ever proven in his career that he can help bring a championship? He's one of the worst playoff performers ever. He has quit and destroyed locker-room morale everywhere he's gone.

We're probably not winning a title regardless when our top two "stars" don't play the games. But in theory, I like our chances better with the hard-working glue guy/POA defender, not the washed-up out-of-shape egomaniac who doesn't play defense or play off-ball.

[ejftw]

I'd be fine with including Mann, if only because Lue didn't seem to trust him much last year, and who knows if he gives him the opportunity this.

And I'm a huge Mann supporter that has never liked Harden. Get Philly to do Mann/Mook/Norm/Swap in 27 for Harden/Tucker, then, jump in the Dame deal by offering RoCo/Coffey/Top 3 Prot 30 first/29 swap for Herro. Bring back Winslow to replace the vet JAG role of RoCo, and go from there.

Honestly, at this point, I just want the season to start, sick of all this speculation.

[HardenGoat]

I see mixed feelings about Harden which is understandable. Iam not crazy about how he conducts himself jumping ship. That part does suck. But, he’s still an elite player when he’s locked in. He had two great performances against the Celtics until he crumbled the last 2 games. The west has gotten stronger this year, I think the Suns will make serious noise and Denver now has chip experience to bolster them but lost Brown who I thought was a significant piece. Grizzlies added more defense with Smart and will likely stabilize Morant. Warriors added CP3. Lakers are still in it. Kings have the assets to improve. OKC will improve. Even the bottom feeders last year will be quite competitive. The key for Clippers of course will be the health of PG and KL. They have always needed a facilitator in my opinion and Harden is still one of the best. I think with what’s on the table this year Harden can really help. I can’t think of a team with a better fit actually. He can win a couple games in the post season but Kawhi is the one that can reach the top as he has proven before. Maybe Harden can carry some of the load and keep him healthy. Iam posting this because I really think he’s going to be on the team at some point, probably around training camp.

[esqtvd]

I'd be fine with including Mann, if only because Lue didn't seem to trust him much last year, and who knows if he gives him the opportunity this.

And I'm a huge Mann supporter that has never liked Harden. Get Philly to do Mann/Mook/Norm/Swap in 27 for Harden/Tucker, then, jump in the Dame deal by offering RoCo/Coffey/Top 3 Prot 30 first/29 swap for Herro. Bring back Winslow to replace the vet JAG role of RoCo, and go from there.

Honestly, at this point, I just want the season to start, sick of all this speculation.

You gotta give up something to get something. Mann is a quality NBA player. Just not really a difference maker. Harden single-handedly won 2 games in the Sixers-Boston series. What he realized is that he and Embiid are not enough to win. In fact Tyrese Maxey [who is substantially better than Mann] is their #3 and a near All-Star, but still not enough.

On the Clippers' side, if Kawhi and PG show up for the playoffs ready to compete, Ballmer has to go all-in. But the trade deadline is 6 months away. Too much can go wrong before then, esp when KL and PG are involved. Unless Morey lowers the ante, you wait him out.

_______________________________

ADD:

LOL

I don't think even Ballmer is this much of a Mann fan boi

Read on Twitter

playing hardball on Morey
Morey is so fkd

[esqtvd]

I see mixed feelings about Harden which is understandable. Iam not crazy about how he conducts himself jumping ship. That part does suck. But, he’s still an elite player when he’s locked in. He had two great performances against the Celtics until he crumbled the last 2 games. The west has gotten stronger this year, I think the Suns will make serious noise and Denver now has chip experience to bolster them but lost Brown who I thought was a significant piece. Grizzlies added more defense with Smart and will likely stabilize Morant. Warriors added CP3. Lakers are still in it. Kings have the assets to improve. OKC will improve. Even the bottom feeders last year will be quite competitive. The key for Clippers of course will be the health of PG and KL. They have always needed a facilitator in my opinion and Harden is still one of the best. I think with what’s on the table this year Harden can really help. I can’t think of a team with a better fit actually. He can win a couple games in the post season but Kawhi is the one that can reach the top as he has proven before. Maybe Harden can carry some of the load and keep him healthy. Iam posting this because I really think he’s going to be on the team at some point, probably around training camp.

Harden has a case. He gave Daryl Morey a huge discount last year and got nothing in return.

Harden declined his $47.4 million player option in the summer and signed a two-year, $68.6 million deal that includes a player option for the second year.

The numbers are right there: Harden took less money than he could've earned, which in turn allowed Philly to make some additional moves, the biggest of which was signing P.J. Tucker.

But the Sixers don't seem to have enough to compete. Harden should be sensing [and probably is] that he needs to get his ass onto a more loaded team to get a ring. Joel just isn't a money player either, and Maxey actually has better numbers when Beard isn't on the floor--they're not complementary players.


Harden signed as a UFA and it's customary that when a unrestricted guy signs with you of his own free will, you make every effort to accommodate him if things don't work out. Harden could have signed with a number of other teams, gave the Sixers a discount, and now they're holding him against his will.

Anyway, that's his case. Beard always looks worse than he really is. I don't think he's any more selfish on the court or off the court than Kawhi Leonard. Kawhi looks out for Kawhi. But there's nothing wrong with that. It's a business.

"Nope, but guess what? I don’t care. There’s like a stereotype (of Harden) where people always want to talk. People don’t really know me, so they feel like they can just say anything. One thing I won’t do is give them any attention. I won’t say anything, media-wise, publicly. I don’t care, because I’m comfortable and I’m confident in the things I do on and off the court."

[HardenGoat]

I see mixed feelings about Harden which is understandable. Iam not crazy about how he conducts himself jumping ship. That part does suck. But, he’s still an elite player when he’s locked in. He had two great performances against the Celtics until he crumbled the last 2 games. The west has gotten stronger this year, I think the Suns will make serious noise and Denver now has chip experience to bolster them but lost Brown who I thought was a significant piece. Grizzlies added more defense with Smart and will likely stabilize Morant. Warriors added CP3. Lakers are still in it. Kings have the assets to improve. OKC will improve. Even the bottom feeders last year will be quite competitive. The key for Clippers of course will be the health of PG and KL. They have always needed a facilitator in my opinion and Harden is still one of the best. I think with what’s on the table this year Harden can really help. I can’t think of a team with a better fit actually. He can win a couple games in the post season but Kawhi is the one that can reach the top as he has proven before. Maybe Harden can carry some of the load and keep him healthy. Iam posting this because I really think he’s going to be on the team at some point, probably around training camp.

Harden has a case. He gave Daryl Morey a huge discount last year and got nothing in return.

Harden declined his $47.4 million player option in the summer and signed a two-year, $68.6 million deal that includes a player option for the second year.

The numbers are right there: Harden took less money than he could've earned, which in turn allowed Philly to make some additional moves, the biggest of which was signing P.J. Tucker.

But the Sixers don't seem to have enough to compete. Harden should be sensing [and probably is] that he needs to get his ass onto a more loaded team to get a ring. Joel just isn't a money player either, and Maxey actually has better numbers when Beard isn't on the floor--they're not complementary players.


Harden signed as a UFA and it's customary that when a unrestricted guy signs with you of his own free will, you make every effort to accommodate him if things don't work out. Harden could have signed with a number of other teams, gave the Sixers a discount, and now they're holding him against his will.

Anyway, that's his case. Beard always looks worse than he really is. I don't think he's any more selfish on the court or off the court than Kawhi Leonard. Kawhi looks out for Kawhi. But there's nothing wrong with that. It's a business.

"Nope, but guess what? I don’t care. There’s like a stereotype (of Harden) where people always want to talk. People don’t really know me, so they feel like they can just say anything. One thing I won’t do is give them any attention. I won’t say anything, media-wise, publicly. I don’t care, because I’m comfortable and I’m confident in the things I do on and off the court."

The part not mentioned was that he took less to also drop the team out of the luxury tax, reset it, and allow the franchise to get an additional 15 million in disbursement money. There had to be some negotiating for that to happen. For him to want to leave means the FO backed out in the end when it came time for extension and roster building. That’s the business part he is mentioning. It’s laughable when people post stuff like “he only wants money”. He would have signed a 250 million contract with Houston or Brooklyn if that was the case. He had two chances to get a huge bag. If he had done that though he would have no flexibility in what team he winds up on. Some of the hate is justified (lifestyle, trade requests), but a lot isn’t. Particularly the selfish narrative when it comes to money or being a team player.

[MartinToVaught]

I'd be fine with including Mann, if only because Lue didn't seem to trust him much last year, and who knows if he gives him the opportunity this.

Gifting good players to other teams because our mediocre-at-best coach doesn't like them isn't what winning franchises do.

[esqtvd]

I see mixed feelings about Harden which is understandable. Iam not crazy about how he conducts himself jumping ship. That part does suck. But, he’s still an elite player when he’s locked in. He had two great performances against the Celtics until he crumbled the last 2 games. The west has gotten stronger this year, I think the Suns will make serious noise and Denver now has chip experience to bolster them but lost Brown who I thought was a significant piece. Grizzlies added more defense with Smart and will likely stabilize Morant. Warriors added CP3. Lakers are still in it. Kings have the assets to improve. OKC will improve. Even the bottom feeders last year will be quite competitive. The key for Clippers of course will be the health of PG and KL. They have always needed a facilitator in my opinion and Harden is still one of the best. I think with what’s on the table this year Harden can really help. I can’t think of a team with a better fit actually. He can win a couple games in the post season but Kawhi is the one that can reach the top as he has proven before. Maybe Harden can carry some of the load and keep him healthy. Iam posting this because I really think he’s going to be on the team at some point, probably around training camp.

Harden has a case. He gave Daryl Morey a huge discount last year and got nothing in return.

Harden declined his $47.4 million player option in the summer and signed a two-year, $68.6 million deal that includes a player option for the second year.

The numbers are right there: Harden took less money than he could've earned, which in turn allowed Philly to make some additional moves, the biggest of which was signing P.J. Tucker.

But the Sixers don't seem to have enough to compete. Harden should be sensing [and probably is] that he needs to get his ass onto a more loaded team to get a ring. Joel just isn't a money player either, and Maxey actually has better numbers when Beard isn't on the floor--they're not complementary players.


Harden signed as a UFA and it's customary that when a unrestricted guy signs with you of his own free will, you make every effort to accommodate him if things don't work out. Harden could have signed with a number of other teams, gave the Sixers a discount, and now they're holding him against his will.

Anyway, that's his case. Beard always looks worse than he really is. I don't think he's any more selfish on the court or off the court than Kawhi Leonard. Kawhi looks out for Kawhi. But there's nothing wrong with that. It's a business.

"Nope, but guess what? I don’t care. There’s like a stereotype (of Harden) where people always want to talk. People don’t really know me, so they feel like they can just say anything. One thing I won’t do is give them any attention. I won’t say anything, media-wise, publicly. I don’t care, because I’m comfortable and I’m confident in the things I do on and off the court."

The part not mentioned was that he took less to also drop the team out of the luxury tax, reset it, and allow the franchise to get an additional 15 million in disbursement money. There had to be some negotiating for that to happen. For him to want to leave means the FO backed out in the end when it came time for extension and roster building. That’s the business part he is mentioning. It’s laughable when people post stuff like “he only wants money”. He would have signed a 250 million contract with Houston or Brooklyn if that was the case. He had two chances to get a huge bag. If he had done that though he would have no flexibility in what team he winds up on. Some of the hate is justified (lifestyle, trade requests), but a lot isn’t. Particularly the selfish narrative when it comes to money or being a team player.

My favorite quote from North Dallas Forty, the REALEST sports movie ever made:

Every time
I call it a game,

you call it a business,

and every time
I call it business,

you call it a game.

You and B.A. And all
the rest of you coaches

are chickenshitt cockssuckers.

Watch on YouTube

You were hired
to do a job!
Job?

Job? I don't
want no **** job!

I wanna play
football, you ****!

I want some feelings!

I want some ****
team spirit!

This ain't no high school.
You don't have to love
each other to play.

That's just
what I mean,
you bastard.

Every time
I call it a game,

you call it a business,

and every time
I call it business,

you call it a game.

You and B.A. And all
the rest of you coaches

are **** cocksuckers.

No feeling
for the game
at all, man.

You'll win, but it'll
just be numbers
on a scoreboard.

Numbers, that's all
you care about.

****, man,
that's not enough for me.

I don't have to listen...
Oh, yes, you **** do!

You got to listen
to me for once!

All you coaches are
**** cocksuckers!

You're all ****
cocksuckers!

God damn you!

[clipsfever]

Great movie!

[esqtvd]

Ben Simmons got away with it by pleading mental illness. Mental illness is an acceptable woke excuse in Adam Silver's woke NBA. Plus Simmons has never been normal. Total MIA for his college team, refused to shoot in the playoffs. AND dated a Kardashian.

But Dame or Harden better not try to get away with that shtt.

"We have advised Goodwin and Lillard that any future comments, made privately to teams or publicly, suggesting Lillard will not fully perform the services called for under his player contract in the event of a trade will subject Lillard to discipline by the NBA. We also have advised the Players Association that any similar comments by players or their agents will be subject to discipline going forward.”

Although Harden looks like a homeless and dated a Kardashian too. Still, no excuse.

[donemilio21]

My favorite quote from North Dallas Forty, the REALEST sports movie ever made:

These guys are supposed to be NFL players ? They don't look a day over 45, lol. Times have changed.

[NickP]

As die hard fans we've all waited forever to see our team win a chip. So, if getting the Beard here gets it done then I'm all for trading TMann.
Also I love what Russ has done for us but Harden brings more to the game than Russ.
Of course it all depends on which Harden we get.