Latest news with #JamesHarden
USA Today
15 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Former Sixers star James Harden comes in ranked No. 34 on all-time list
It's ranking time in the NBA offseason as everybody gives their thoughts and opinions on who the best player in the world is and debates on where each player ranks in the history of this great game of basketball. Former Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden is one of the best players to ever play this game and he showed off his skill in his 1.5 seasons in the City of Brotherly Love. He averaged 21.0 points, 10.6 assists, and 6.4 rebounds per game while leading the league in assists in the 2022-23 season playing next to MVP Joel Embiid. The Beard was then sent to the Los Angeles Clippers early in the 2023-24 season as he looked for greener pastures. Bleacher Report ranked their top 100 players of all-time and Harden came in ranked No. 34 on the list: Harden's best years came with the Houston Rockets, where he led the league in scoring three straight times from 2017-18 to 2019-20 and concluded a run during which he also led the NBA in free-throw attempts per game in seven of eight seasons. One of the most devastating pick-and-roll forces the game has ever seen, Harden also developed into an unstoppable isolation threat. Elite quickness, strength and craft made it impossible to stay in front of Harden, and then he perfected a step-back three-pointer so deadly that opponents actually preferred to play defense behind him. An extremely heliocentric star who has led the league in usage rate twice, never consistently defended and couldn't lead his team to a title, Harden has more than his share of detractors. Harden's time with the Sixers was short, but it was memorable as he was the one who led an efficient offense and made life easy for Embiid on that end of the floor. He was also influential for Tyrese Maxey as he earned his first All-Star appearance in 2024.
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Where LA Clippers rank in Western Conference after Bradley Beal deal
The post Where LA Clippers rank in Western Conference after Bradley Beal deal appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Bradley Beal saga in Phoenix is officially over. Now, the three-time All-Star finds himself in Los Angeles, poised to join a Clippers roster already loaded with star power. According to Shams Charania, Beal has finalized a buyout agreement with the Phoenix Suns and signed a two-year, $11 million deal with the LA Clippers. Joining Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, Beal's arrival caps off one of the more methodical and intriguing offseasons in the NBA. While the Clippers still have a few holes to plug, most notably at backup point guard, they've emerged from the 2025 offseason not only deeper but arguably more coherent. Let's see the power rankings of the Western Conference. Where are the Clippers in the Western Conference after signing Bradley Beal? At the top, the Oklahoma City Thunder remain the standard. With a young core that just delivered a championship and over $800 million invested in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, they're built to sustain dominance. The Denver Nuggets are still formidable with Nikola Jokić leading the charge. And the Houston Rockets, bolstered by depth, youth, and a patient rebuild, are closing fast. But the Clippers are now firmly embedded in the second tier of contenders, alongside the Minnesota Timberwolves and just ahead of the Lakers and Warriors. If Leonard stays healthy and Beal can thrive in a lower-usage, off-ball role, LA could very well close the gap on Denver and Houston. Unlike some of their tier-two peers, the Clippers possess the kind of defensive versatility and playoff-ready skillsets that make them dangerous in a seven-game series. There are still needs to be addressed. Backup point guard is chief among them. The Clippers will likely fill that hole using a veteran minimum contract. Intriguingly, options like Russell Westbrook or Chris Paul – both former Clippers – remain available. Regardless of who fills that final spot, the tone has been set. This offseason, the Clippers didn't chase the biggest names or make reckless trades. The Clippers made thoughtful additions, supplemented stars with structure. They bet on health, yes, but also on balance. For a franchise still searching for its first championship, this kind of offseason may prove more impactful than a flashier one. The Clippers didn't just sign Bradley Beal; they made the kind of mature, under-the-radar moves that championship teams often look back on as foundational. They aren't the favorites in the West. But they're close enough to matter. And come playoff time, that's all they'll need. Financial precision under a hard cap Heading into the Beal signing, the Clippers were already walking a financial tightrope. With an active roster cap of $187 million, they were just $8.9 million below the first apron threshold, according to Spotrac. By using their remaining $5.35 million in non-taxpayer mid-level exception money to ink Beal, LA now sits around $3.5 million under the apron. That gives them just enough room for one or two veteran minimum contracts, likely reserved for a backup point guard. Potential candidates include former Clippers Russell Westbrook or Chris Paul, while Malcolm Brogdon, Cory Joseph, Cameron Payne, or even Ben Simmons could be added for depth. Beal's role in the Clippers' machine Beal's time in Phoenix was underwhelming. Plagued by inconsistency and a limited role behind Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, he averaged just 17.6 points per game over two seasons. That figure marked a steep decline from his days in Washington, where he twice topped 30 points per game as the team's primary option. Still, context matters. In Los Angeles, Beal will again be the third option, but it's a better environment. Unlike Phoenix, James Harden is an elite playmaker, and Kawhi Leonard often misses time. That means Beal's offensive usage should organically increase, giving him opportunities to return to his 20+ PPG form. While injuries and age may prevent a full career resurgence, Beal has the tools to become a valuable third star, especially if he can stay healthy and hit open shots off of Harden and Leonard's gravity. Offseason moves that changed the equation The Clippers could've run back last year's 50-win squad and justified it. Leonard only played 37 games, and still, they managed to secure a strong playoff seed. But this front office chose activity over complacency: Brook Lopez joined the roster as a high-IQ, floor-spacing big who can partner with Ivica Zubac to give LA one of the league's best defensive frontcourts. Meanwhile, John Collins came in via a three-team trade that sent Norman Powell to Miami. Though Powell may be the more dynamic scorer, Collins is a better positional fit and allows more lineup flexibility. And now, Bradley Beal, potentially the final piece to a championship-caliber puzzle. In total, they brought in Bradley Beal, John Collins, and Brook Lopez, while re-signing key veterans James Harden, Nicolas Batum, and Trentyn Flowers. Each signing addressed a specific roster weakness or fortified the team's championship ambitions. The Clippers believe this version of the roster can contend, and perhaps even steal the Western crown if things break right. Related: Bradley Beal's plans for 2026 free agency after signing with Clippers Related: Bradley Beal's agent makes 'best version' prediction for Clippers tenure
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025-26 LA Clippers = the OLDEST team in NBA History
Subscribe to The Big Number Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine crunched the numbers after the CP3 news became official: the 2025-26 LA Clippers are now, officially, the oldest team in NBA history. With an average age of 33.2 years old (!), the Clippers have surpassed the previous record held by the Stockton-and-Malone Utah Jazz. Could this actually work out in LA's favor? Tom and Dan think the Clippers' depth and versatility could propel them to the top of the West if things break their way. Don't miss this episode of The Big Number, which deep dives on Brook Lopez, Bradley Beal, James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Chris Paul and the rest of the seasoned vets that have their eyes on the prize after an interesting offseason. (1:45) - Clippers have the oldest roster in history (16:05) - Little Numbers: Are Clippers built to succeed in 2025 despite their age? (33:40) - Marcus Smart joins the Lakers + our favorite offseason additions 🖥️
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kyrie Irving shares Nets team-up was planned before Kevin Durant's Achilles tear
Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant joined the Brooklyn Nets ahead of the 2019-20 season. While the two stars have long been friends, many basketball fans were shocked by the latter's decision to leave the Golden State Warriors -- where he had plenty of success. The pair played well together, however, injuries and a variety of off-the-court issues prevented them from bringing the franchise their first NBA title. Irving recently discussed the decision to join the Nets, revealing that the duo actually planned the move prior to Durant tearing his Achilles tendon in the 2019 NBA Finals. "KD had just tore his Achilles in the Finals," Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving stated Tuesday. "Me and him were planning on doing things to go to Brooklyn. I don't know any of you guys that would still stick it out with one of your friends that tears their Achilles and wait a year and a half for them to get healthy, but I'm that dude. I'm not about to leave K out there after a torn Achilles and be like, 'nah (expletive that), we're not going to play together anymore'. I waited for my brother to get healthy." Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp Irving and Durant appeared to have the Nets in contention, particularly after the trade that brought James Harden to the organization. The trio appeared in just 16 games together, however, as they were 8-2 in ten regular season matchups and 5-1 in six postseason outings. Their lone postseason run together was derailed by injuries as Irving and Harden both missed three games in the Eastern Conference Semifinals as the Nets lost to the eventual champion Milwaukee Bucks in seven games. The following year, Irving opted not to take the COVID-19 vaccine, which led to Harden requesting a trade and ultimately being moved to the Philadelphia 76ers. More NBA:
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
GM Confirms Clippers 'Strongly Considering' Reunion with Former All-Star
GM Confirms Clippers 'Strongly Considering' Reunion with Former All-Star originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Los Angeles Clippers appear to be all in on signing past-their-prime All-Stars. Beyond 35-year-old James Harden and 34-year-old Kawhi Leonard — both of whom remain at least All-Star-caliber if not quite MVP-caliber anymore — L.A. inked free agent deals with 32-year-old Bradley Beal and 37-year-old North Hollywood native Brook Lopez. The Clippers also re-signed 37-year-old Nicolas Batum, who while never an All-Star certainly has seen better days as a 3-and-D combo forward. Advertisement Clearly, L.A. is prioritizing experience over upside this summer. Beal specifically appears to have been added as a Norman Powell replacement, after the Clippers offloaded the standout swingman to the Miami Heat in exchange for veteran forward John Collins as part of a three-team exchange with the Utah Jazz. Ex-Heat forwards Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson — plus a 2027 second-round draft pick from the Clippers — were shipped off to Utah. During a recent Zoom call with reporters, Clippers general manager Lawrence Frank indicated that the club is very interested in reuniting with one of the team's own legendary former superstars. Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints was on said call, and captured the moment Frank revealed the team was heavily considering bringing in former 12-time All-Star point guard Chris Paul. Advertisement 'What I'd say about Chris is he's a great player, he's a great Clipper. He obviously possesses some of the qualities we just referenced," Frank said. "Of course, we're strongly strongly considering him.' Paul played for the Clippers from 2011-16 during the club's "Lob City" era alongside fellow All-Stars Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. In 409 healthy regular season contests, the 6-foot Wake Forest product averaged 18.8 points on .475/.378/.881 shooting splits, 9.8 dishes, 4.2 boards, and 2.2 swipes per. Advertisement He's in a different phase of his career at this point, but remains a solid playmaker, scorer and passer. While playing all 82 regular season games for the San Antonio Spurs last season, he averaged 8.8 points on .427/.377/.924 shooting splits, 7.4 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals a night. Related: Report: Clippers 'Weighing' a Move for 12-Time NBA All-Star This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
