Once the injured pieces were back on the floor and their roster was complete again, the Los Angeles Clippers and their superstar duo, James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, led the Clips’ to a 50-win season and the fifth seed in the Western Conference. LA finished the regular season on an eight-win streak, putting the finishing touches on a surprising season altogether. Kawhi missed the first portion of the season (he played in 37 games all year). So, the Clippers relied heavily on Harden to keep them afloat, and he came through. Unfortunately, Harden’s playoff demons eventually returned in Game 7 against the Denver Nuggets. However, despite the first-round exit, all signs point to the Clippers running it back with their current roster, Harden and Kawhi in tow.
All Signs Point to Clippers Running it Back with Superstar Duo
‘Stability’ of Los Angeles Clippers could keep current roster together; superstar duo James Harden and Kawhi Leonard to lead
Put aside Harden’s up-and-down playoff performances, the Clippers likely wouldn’t have even made the playoffs if not for him. Outside of the team, there wasn’t an abundance of confidence that Harden could carry the Clippers until Kawhi’s return. Harden went on to prove the doubters wrong, though. He ended up with a terrific regular season that included an All-Star selection and a similar play reminiscent of his days with the Houston Rockets.
Harden was great in the playoffs, at times. Other times, he wasn’t, and it ended up being costly for the Clippers. Predictably, Harden got crushed for his seven-point performance in Game 7. With the morning talk shows and daily NBA analysis set to resume again on Monday, he will continue to get crushed. Unfortunately for Harden, it’s mostly deserved.
Running it back
Despite Harden’s Game 7 disappearance, it still might not be enough for the Clippers to switch gears and go in a different direction this summer. According to Law Murray of The Athletic, the Clippers are on the trajectory of running it back with much of, if not all, of the same roster for next season. Law writes that considering the season LA had while missing Kawhi for most of it, it was a solid one, nevertheless. Law also reports that the Clippers are below the collective bargaining agreement’s first-apron threshold heading into the 2025-26 season. That is an element certainly helpful in the future. Additionally, with Harden likely to opt-in to his player option ($36.4 million), this creates a sense of stability within the roster and franchise.
Dec 19, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; LA Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) celebrates with LA Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) and LA Clippers guard Kris Dunn (8) against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Does the Clippers likely intent to run it back mean every player will return? Considering that a handful of their players are under contract next season, it’s possible. Key rotation contributors like Nicolas Batum, Ivica Zubac, and Norman Powell, among others, are expected to be around. Like Harden, Batum also has a player option for next season. That said, you never know what could happen with trades. The Clippers could see fit to shake things up, even if it’s minor. As it stands with Kawhi and Harden, though, all signs point to the duo returning, healthy, available, and ready to replicate another 50-win season next year.
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