James Harden Blames Lack of Training Camp for Slow Clippers Start

Los Angeles is 0–5 with Harden in the lineup.

The Clippers have lost six straight games since trading for James Harden, most recently a 111–108 loss to the Nuggets on Tuesday night. Harden has played in five of those games but has surpassed 20 points just once as he tries to develop chemistry with his new teammates.

Before the trade, Harden did not participate in training camp with the 76ers, so this is his first basketball action since last season. After the loss vs. Denver, Harden explained that his lack of training camp has impacted the start of his season.

“I kept reiterating, I didn’t have a training camp or a preseason, so kind of learning on the fly,” Harden said, via The Associated Press. “Also getting myself into James Harden shape. Tonight was definitely another step in the right direction and just keep improving.”

Clippers guard James Harden said he is still working on getting into basketball shape this season :: Ron Chenoy/USA Today network

Harden has averaged 15 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists in five games this season, all of which would be his lowest in more than a decade. The veteran has averaged at least 20 points per game in 13 straight seasons.

With six straight losses, Los Angeles is now 3–7 this season, including an 0–6 record on the road. The Clippers’ six-game losing streak featured five road games, but the team gets four of their next six game at home, starting with a matchup against the Rockets on Friday.