Los Angeles Clippers’ James Harden Not In Great Shape

Los Angeles Clippers star James Harden is not in great shape right now, according to NBA insider Brian Windhorst of ESPN.

“James Harden is actually not even in that great of shape,” Windhorst said. “That’s one of the things that the scouts have said is that Harden has been in better shape at this point.”

The Clippers open the season on October 22 against the Utah Jazz. LAC lost in the first round of the 2025 playoffs to the Denver Nuggets in seven games.

Harden appeared in 79 games for the Clippers last season. He averaged 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 8.7 assists while shooting 41.0% from the field, 35.2% from beyond the arc and 87.4% from the free-throw line. The 11-time All-Star made the All-NBA Third Team.

A future Hall of Famer, Harden declined his 2025-26 player option with the Clippers this offseason and signed a two-year, $81.5 million contract. The lefty will make $39.2 million this season. He has a player option worth $42.3 million for next season.

The Clippers acquired Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers in 2023. Harden is averaging 19.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 8.6 assists in a LAC uniform.

With Harden and Kawhi Leonard leading the way, the Clippers are projected to be a championship contender this season. LAC acquired John Collins from the Jazz and signed Chris Paul and Bradley Beal this offseason.

Harden is still looking to win his first championship, while the Clippers have never been to the NBA Finals in franchise history. Harden made the NBA Finals in 2012 with the Oklahoma City Thunder, who lost to LeBron James and the Miami Heat in five games.