Jan 25, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; FanDuel sideline reporter Lauren Rosen (left) interviews LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) after the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

ESPN Star Makes Bold Statement About LA Clippers Guard James Harden

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Jul 18, 2025 2:13 PM ET

James Harden is one of the best guards in NBA history.

Last season, he had a resurgent year with the LA Clippers where he made his 11th NBA All-Star Game.

The former Arizona State star had averages of 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 8.7 assists and 1.5 steals per contest while shooting 41.0% from the field and 35.2% from the three-point range in 79 games.

This week, ESPN's Tim MacMahon made a bold statement about Harden (via Hoop Collective).

MacMahon: "James Harden. Right now, at this stage of his career, is maybe the best table setter in the NBA. He's not a guy who's looking to get 35 a night. He's a guy who's looking to get everybody involved. He's a basketball genius."

At one point, Harden had been among the best scorers in the NBA.

With the Clippers, he has done an excellent job of being a floor general.

Via @PolymarketHoops: "Most points generated by assists this season:

2,031 — Trae Young
1,668 — Nikola Jokic
1,614 — Tyrese Haliburton
1,570 — James Harden
1,511 — Cade Cunningham"

The Clippers are coming off a season where they were the fifth seed in the Western Conference with a 50-32 record.

They lost to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

Over the offseason, the Clippers have been one of the most actie teams.

Via StatMuse: "LA Clippers:

— Bradley Beal
— John Collins
— Kawhi Leonard
— James Harden
— Ivica Zubac
— Brook Lopez
— Nic Batum
— Kris Dunn
— Derrick Jones Jr
— Bogdan Bogdanovic"

LA Clippers:

— Bradley Beal
— John Collins
— Kawhi Leonard
— James Harden
— Ivica Zubac
— Brook Lopez
— Nic Batum
— Kris Dunn
— Derrick Jones Jr
— Bogdan Bogdanovic pic.twitter.com/HQA5556zpx
— StatMuse (@statmuse) July 16, 2025