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'High-IQ' Paul George reveals why James Harden is a perfect fit
Paul George Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports

'High-IQ' Paul George reveals why James Harden is a perfect fit

Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden will make his anticipated season debut Monday at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks, per ESPN.

"Definitely," said Harden, whom the Philadelphia 76ers recently traded to the Western Conference contenders.

Speaking on a recent episode of the "Podcast P" podcast , Clippers All-Star Paul George revealed why he believes Harden will be a perfect fit for the Clippers,

"What I love about it, is all four of us are high-IQ players. We all know where everyone is supposed to be, so we can all run plays in different positions...Just watching him hoop, we watched James play in practice. You just forget, like, he's a bucket. He made it look so easy. I was like 'damn, that's crazy, adding that this team.'"  

Harden, who hasn't played this season, last played in an NBA game in the postseason during Philadelphia's Game 7 loss to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. 

Against the Knicks, Harden may come off the bench or be on a minutes restriction. The Clippers and their fans are eager to see how a new-look roster and their four elite talents — George, Kawhi Leonard, Russell Westbrook and Harden — play together. All will need their fair share of touches.

If Harden remains happy with his new surroundings, he could be the final piece to lead the team to an NBA title. If not, he could disrupt the Clippers' season. The front office knew the risks Harden presented before making the trade. Harden, however, is too much of an elite talent to turn down, especially when he's vocal about joining your franchise. 

Health has been the Clippers' downfall in recent seasons. Both George and Kawhi Leonard have struggled with injuries throughout their tenure in Los Angeles. Westbrook and Harden can help keep the Clippers competitive when one or both of the star wings doesn't play. 

However, head coach Ty Lue will need all four of his stars available if his team will live up to their billing as a championship contender. With all four stars in their early to mid-30s, this season could be their best chance of making that goal a reality. 

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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