Happy to be back where he grew up after a tumultuous exit in Philadelphia, the well-traveled former league MVP does not foresee a problem blending egos or divvying minutes with his new team.
James Harden walked into his introductory press conference on Thursday in a new No. 1 Clippers jersey, looking like a player who felt comfortable in his surroundings. Comfortable maybe for the first time in his 15-year career.
He was back in L.A. where he grew up, where his family still lives and his friends hang out. It’s where he started his basketball career and now, is looking to potentially end it.
After a highly public trade demand and months of negotiations, the Philadelphia 76ers traded Harden to the Clippers, the deal that was agreed to on Monday night finally becoming official on Wednesday. The former Lakewood Artesia High star arrived in Southern California not only with history but a great deal of expectations. The Clippers are hoping that Harden is the missing piece that will bring them a championship ring.
“I can fit in with anybody and make a championship run work,” Harden said. “So, I think all of us are on the same page in the sense of the individual stats and all those things are past us and we all got one goal and I think everybody knows what that is.
“For me, it’s just going out here and finding the best way to contribute to this team.”
Harden, 34, will be looking to fit in alongside Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook, all fellow Hall of Fame-caliber players with the same will to win. But how will four high-level players who like to have the ball in their hands get along?
Harden mentioned the same thing his new teammates have uttered over the past few days – they must learn to sacrifice their own games.
