Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Broadcaster weighs in on James Harden's engagement level

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 11/4/23

James Harden has developed a bad reputation. The former MVP has forced his way out of his last two teams. He was recently traded to the L.A. Clippers after a contentious summer with the Philadelphia 76ers. Popular sports announcer Ian Eagle is expecting Harden to produce some big performances for his new team. Eagle noted how Harden always starts a new tenure as an engaged member of the rotation.

It's only after a few months that Harden begins to become disenchanted with his surroundings.

"When James does go from team to team, he is engaged," Eagle said via Sirius XM NBA Radio. "At least out of the gate. He wants to show everyone that he's still the same guy. He does the kinds of things that you look for, being a facilitator, being a good teammate...Will it be good initially (with the Clippers)? I think it could be, I really do. But, when the smoke clears, I don't know what this is going to look like for LA."

“When James does go from team to team, he is engaged, at least out of the gate”

Ian Eagle is interested to see how James Harden will fit in L.A. long-term #ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/k6JlKDPKs2
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) November 4, 2023

Harden is one of the best playmakers in the NBA. His days as a primary scorer are behind him. He's lost a step off the dribble and hasn't shown a consistently high-level pull-up jumper. Yet, the Clippers could find a way to bring the best out of him. The franchise now has four future Hall of Fame players on their roster. If Harden buys into Tyronn Lue's coaching philosophy, the Clippers could contend for a championship.

The problem is acquiring Harden is a risk. He's just as likely to become disruptive as he is to help you win. Lue and his coaching staff will have to walk a fine line. Part of that will be ensuring all four of their stars get enough touches. There must be a cohesive system in which the bench players feel valued, too.

Harden's addition could be viewed as overkill. The Clippers were impressing without him on their roster. Still, they had spent all summer chasing Harden and finally got their man. Now, the hard part begins, and figuring out how to keep the temperamental star happy will be the first line on the list.

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