James Harden Gets Honest About the Shape He's in

Harden is still getting into basketball shape.

Last season, James Harden was an All-NBA player who averaged 21.0 points and 10.7 assists with the Philadelphia 76ers. So far with the Clippers, he's looked anything but that. Harden attests some of that to the game shape he's in.

After the Clippers lost their sixth straight game last night against the Denver Nuggets, Harden gave a very candid conversation about the shape he's in. He even admitted to not playing 5-on-5 during the offseason.

"I keep reiterating that I didn't have a training camp or a preseason," Harden said. "Kinda learning on the fly for a new team, also getting myself into James Harden shape and game shape is very, very important. Tonight was definitely another step in the right direction, and just keep improving... I wasn't really playing 5-on-5. These are my practices."

James Harden on why he felt this was a “step in the right direction” for him physically. pic.twitter.com/CDcbkghZ8E

— Andrew Greif (@AndrewGreif) November 15, 2023

While it's understandable that James Harden doesn't quite have the chemistry with the Clippers because he wasn't in their training camp, it's unacceptable for him to not be in total game shape right now. Yes, he didn't participate in the Philadelphia 76ers training camp, but that was also an immature decision he made himself. 

What the Clippers need more than James Harden getting into better game shape is Kawhi Leonard playing better basketball. Without their depth, this team typically wins and loses based on the games Kawhi Leonard is having. Since trading for James Harden, Kawhi just hasn't been the winning player he usually is. 

The LA Clippers have lost the last 6 straight games and currently have a record of 3-7.

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