He is demanding now......see how many teams are still at his whim though.. Teams are not bilind to his flaws.
Harden is literally the only one on that team worth a damn this year. It’s crazy how bad they are with him off the court.
Clippers offseason in review: Kawhi: under investigation; always hurt John Collins: having worst season Derrick Jones: hurt Brad Beal: washed/out for season Nic Batum: washed Brook Lopez: washed Chris Paul: washed; sent home … (Traded away) Norman Powell: having career year, possible all-star I love LA. I’ve done everything I can. This situation is crazy. It’s something that I don’t think can be fixed.
I watch the Clips very closely and I'm always going to be a fan and supporter of James. The roster was set up to be an experienced, veteran team for the playoffs. When Beal's season ended before it even began, and Kawhii was still healing, James had to carry that team every damn game. If you watch the Clips, it is painfully obvious that James has to put up outlandish and inequitable stats (compared to other teams' #1 -#3 options) for the Clips to have a chance. He's done his job for that team every season. He's carried them every season since being traded there, especially when you consider how inconsistent Playoff P and Kawhii's availability were. He didn't complain when Kawhii only appeared around the playoffs. He makes every player better around him, especially Big Zu and role players like Dunn, JC and even their new Kobe. He plays so damn hard and is disrespected in a way that I've never seen. Say all you want about Harden's shortcomings in the playoffs or his lack of championships, but then you have to acknowledge how he has had to singlehandedly hold the Clips on his back for the majority of his time in L.A. He's not perfect, but he's not responsible for the demise of this roster or record. His current stats indicate a top 15 player, even at his age. He's no longer the alleged Brooklyn diva (I think that was Kyrie's overrated nonsense) and he still puts up numbers each night that gives his team a fighting chance. But, as it seems, James can drop 30+ ppg/5 boards/8 dimes on any given night and his peers aren't matching the effort. Ty Lue isn't coaching nearly as hard as good Jeff, and you can tell that those Saturn rings under his eyes are darker than ever. I feel badly for James, CP3 and guys like Batum and Brook Lopez. This is a nightmare. /Rant What I have heard is that James is dedicated to the Clips, but the chaos is starting to give him the itch of going elsewhere. I just don't think there is enough support around him and Big Zu/Fragile Kawhii to repair the damage. There is plenty of interest, but the offers will not be overwhelming. I don't know which team he would fit best on, but he could easily turn many teams into contenders. The current playback around CP3's exit is about to get even nastier, and the way he was dismissed has details that are going to make the Clips look as dreadful as Keith Closes and Darius Miles. I was surprised to hear how he was informed and the reasons why...a whole disrespectful mess. Phew.
I feel bad for Cod, I do not ever want to watch them. Yes, Harden is still a good player but I just don't know at this point.
Powell is a UFA next summer and the Clippers had no intention of extending him. They thought the combination of John Collins and Brad Beal could fill the gap. SMH. Meanwhile in Miami, Powell is playing like a hungry bear expecting to be fed. I think he's gonna be disappointed.
