After an abysmal 6-21 start, the Los Angeles Clippers are in the midst of a turnaround with hopes of a playoff appearance in sight. The Clippers have won 13 of their last 18, but Los Angeles looks completely different than they did before the trade deadline.
In a trade earlier this month, Los Angeles sent 11-time All-Star James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for two-time All-Star selection Darius Garland and a second round pick.
Replacing Harden, who is averaging 25 points and eight assists per game, will be tough. Luckily for Clippers fans, Garland comes in with a lot of potential and will pair well with forward Kawhi Leonard. Leonard has been efficient this season, averaging 28 points per game and shooting 49% from the field. Adding an established playmaker in Garland to the lineup should have Clippers fans excited for the future.
Garland is young at just 26-years old. Drafted in 2019, he was a reliable piece of Cleveland’s offense paired with Donovan Mitchell. The Clippers began the season with one of the oldest teams in the league, but have gotten younger.
It should be interesting to see how Garland fits into Tyronn Lue’s offense. Shooting 39% from three-point range in his NBA career, Garland has proven to be a reliable from beyond the arc.
His ability to set the table for his teammates as a distributor along with the youthful spirit he brings will be a benefit to the Clippers organization. Garland is impressively quick, a proven passer and a consistent scorer. One of the more established young guards in the league, Garland is averaging 18 points and seven assists per game this season.
An issue with Harden during his time in Los Angeles was that when his production was stagnant so was the rest of the offense. Garland should be a fix to the issue. With his athleticism, he’ll be able to create his own shot and help open up the Clippers’ offense a lot more.
Another aspect of Garland’s game that Clippers fans can look forward to is his defense which will be an upgrade from Harden. While he’s not as big or strong as Harden, he provides high energy and more effort on defense.
Despite the potential upside that Garland brings to this Los Angeles squad, Clippers fans will have to wait to see him on the floor. Garland is dealing with a right toe sprain. He missed his final nine games with Cleveland prior to the trade, and remains out.
The Clippers will hope that Garland can step in and help the team make its chase at the playoffs. With this new look Los Angeles team, Garland will be a core piece of the Clippers as they build for the future.
Los Angeles next takes on the Denver Nuggets on Thursday at home.