James Harden is entering his 18th year in the NBA and although there have been a lot of individual honours, the all-important championship still eludes him.
The 35-year-old is one of the most influential players in the game as he can not only score, but is also a brilliant playmaker.
He moved to the LA Clippers in 2023 and since then has been one of the best players for the franchise.
Last season, with Paul George having left the team, James Harden took over the reins and led the way alongside Kawhi Leonard.
After a first-round exit, the Clippers made sure to add more pieces around the duo. This has made them one of the favorites to win a championship.
Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty ImagesBill Simmons hints at a potential championship for Harden with Tommy Fleetwood tweet
Tommy Fleetwood is a British golfer, who won his first PGA Tour title after a long wait and multiple heartbreaks.
Prior to his Tour Championship win, Fleetwood had gone 163 PGA Tour events without a win.
LeBron James and some of the sports world’s greatest congratulated him on X.
Bill Simmons also gave him an acknowledgement after he ended his long wait, but also suggested it could be Harden’s time to do that next in the NBA.
He tweeted: “Incredible ending to the Tommy Fleetwood 2020s coming-up-short rollercoaster ride. Maybe there’s hope for James Harden!”
Incredible ending to the Tommy Fleetwood 2020s coming-up-short rollercoaster ride. Maybe there’s hope for James Harden!
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) August 24, 2025
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Harden has only been to one NBA Finals appearance, but he has had multiple failures in the playoffs including one in the Conference Finals when he was with the Houston Rockets.
James Harden could end his long wait
The Clippers roster was criticized by Kendrick Perkins for being older compared to a lot of other teams in the NBA.
While it may be true, the abundance of talent they have cannot be ignored.
They have the likes of Harden and Leonard, who will be key to their success, but players like Chris Paul and Bradley Beal add experience and depth to their rotation.
Photo by Harry How/Getty Images
Both are All-Stars in the league and know what it’s like to perform on the big stage, especially Paul, who has reached the NBA Finals earlier in his career.
Harden and Paul are among the legends who have not won a championship yet, which is why their teaming up together is all the more special.
PositionPlayer NamePoint GuardJames HardenShooting GuardBradley BealSmall Forward Kawhi Leonard Power Forward John CollinsCenter Ivica Zubac
Aside from these elite players, the Clippers also have players like Ivica Zubac and John Collins, who will be vital for them in their bid to win a championship.
The Western Conference is stacked and beating the likes of OKC Thunder, Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves is going to take a lot, but the Clippers have the talent that it takes to succeed.
Harden has been close to winning a championship several times now, but always seems to slip up when it comes to the final hurdle.
He finally has some talented players around him, but will also need good health and top performances from them to be able to get over the hurdle and finally claim that Larry O’Brien trophy.