Best passer in the NBA, James Harden begins a new chapter in his career Monday evening, with his first outing in a Clippers jersey. It will be at Madison Square Garden, a venue where he achieved some of his greatest feats, and Tyronn Lue has warned that the 2018 MVP will play second back alongside Russell Westbrook. The two know each other very well after playing together in OKC and Houston.
“When the two are together on the pitch, we’re just going to make sure that James plays more without the ball, that he’s on the wings, that he goes up from the baseline to the wing, things like that… We’re going to leave Russell with the ball so he can challenge his defender.” explains Tyronn Lue. “This is what we have been discussing for two or three days. Just having James play without the ball, and letting Russell be more of the playmaker.”
An adjustment for James Harden
For James Harden, it’s not a complicated adjustment, and he repeats that he is ready to make any sacrifices because he is surrounded by “very, very good basketball players”.
“Luckily for me, in recent years I have had to play more without the ball,” James Harden said. “I think on both ends of the floor, any one of us can score, any one of us can make things easier and make each other better. You have to give your best and not worry about anything other than winning the match, you know what I mean? It’s about not worrying about your stats, not worrying about things that happen during the match, always thinking about the next action and focusing on what I control and what I can really bring. So I’m looking forward to this experience.”
Physically ready to play
An experience which will start slowly since he has not yet played this season. So it’s a real recovery for him. “We’re not going to put him directly into play and give him crazy playing time” warns Tyronn Lue. “We will talk about it with the medical staff, and see what is best for him. »
On Jame Harden’s side, we don’t expect “ to play within 40 minutes“, but the former Sixer assures that there is ” no limit » of playing time. “Physically, I am good and ready to play. I’ve been training a lot, and it’s just that it’s different from playing five-on-five. Above all, I will adapt, and it won’t take me much time. »
