NBA: “Sacrifice Is Going To Be The Biggest Thing,” Says LA Clippers Coach Tyronn Lue On Acquiring Superstar James Harden

Lue believes that when Harden plays alongside Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook this season, all four will make the adjustments necessary to turn the Clippers into a prime contender for Harden’s first NBA title.

reset

Follow us on Flipboard

Follow us on Google News

James Harden's quest for a championship has led him to the LA Clippers now. (Credit: Twitter)

Although James Harden is a superstar joining a team already loaded with stars, the Los Angeles Clippers’ top brass thinks he will thrive in their galaxy.

Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said Wednesday he isn’t sure when Harden will make his debut following the blockbuster trade that brought the 10-time All-Star and 2018 NBA MVP home to Los Angeles from the Philadelphia 76ers.

READ: Philadelphia 76ers Trade James Harden to LA Clippers, According to Reports

But Lue believes that when Harden plays alongside Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook this season, all four will make the adjustments necessary to turn the Clippers into a prime contender for Harden’s first NBA title.

“Sacrifice is going to be the biggest thing," Lue said. “Four guys from LA, and four guys that have done a lot in their careers. So they understand, and they’ve talked about just winning a championship. That’s all we’re focused on. It’s going to take a lot of sacrifice, whether it’s shots, whether it’s minutes. They’re willing to do that."

The Clippers gave up four players and a portion of their long-term draft position to add Harden and P.J. Tucker, shaking the foundation of their team just four games into the season. To Lawrence Frank and owner Steve Ballmer, the potential hazards of fielding a four-superstar lineup were far outweighed by the potential for greatness.

ICC World Cup: Schedule | Results | Points Table | Most Runs | Most Wickets

Frank, the Clippers’ president of basketball operations, called Harden “a ceiling-raiser."

“James Harden has an elite skill set, and all he cares about is one thing: He wants to win a championship for the LA Clippers," Frank added. “He wants to be part of something bigger than himself. … These (four) guys have all the individual accomplishments. They’ve made plenty of money. This is about one goal."

top videos

View all

Swipe Left For Next Video

View all

While Harden badly wanted to play in his native Los Angeles after his relationship with the Sixers disintegrated, the Clippers are determined to escape the second-tier contender purgatory in which they’ve had 12 consecutive winning seasons and 10 playoff berths, yet just one conference finals appearance.

While Harden’s debut won’t happen until next week at the earliest, Tucker was available to play Wednesday night against the Lakers, Lue said. Tucker has been playing for the Sixers while Harden left and returned in his contentious, extended breakup with the franchise.

Location :
United States of America (USA)

First Published:
November 02, 2023, 10:29 IST