The Los Angeles Clippers currently sit fourth in the West, and they have shown great competitiveness in the 2023-24 season. They went through a losing streak when they first traded for James Harden, but after James Harden adapted to the Clippers system, the team also won a lot.
Last month, Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doug Rivers publicly said that he was the one who helped the Clippers get James Harden. At the time, the outside world was curious and skeptical about the veracity of Doug Rivers' remarks.
Recently, the head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers, Tyronn Lue, talked about Doug Rivers helping James Harden win the MVP, saying that it was true. The Clippers acquired James Harden in November 2023 through a three-team trade.
A few months ago, James Harden missed the opportunity to sign a contract with a maximum salary because he was deceived by the general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers. Due to a contract extension dispute, James Harden had to request a trade and leave the team without credit. Considering the performance of James Harden's team in recent seasons, the outside world is not optimistic that James Harden can help the Clippers. As a result, James Harden has now become an indispensable player for the Clippers.
According to Doug Rivers, when he was fired by the 76ers in May, the Los Angeles Clippers consulted him about a trade to get James Harden. Doug Rivers actively recommended James Harden, hoping that his old club would take James Harden.
Doug Rivers told ClutchPoints that "obviously, the person they consulted was me, and they played **, I mean it's going to be one of those great guys for them because I think they're better suited for him than the 76ers, and I think he's a good fit there." ”
Doug Rivers was the head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers, and after he was sacked, Tyronn Lue became the head coach of the Clippers. And Doug Rivers also became the head coach of the 76ers, but unfortunately, after suffering consecutive playoff losses, the 76ers also fired Doug Rivers.
Originally, Doug Rivers planned to become an analyst full-time, but when the Bucks hired a head coach, the contract was too big, and he had to return to the NBA as a head coach. Under his leadership, the Milwaukee Bucks won more and lost more before the All-Star Game.
Recently, there has been quite a bit of talk about asking Doug Rivers to step down. However, after the All-Star Game, the Bucks have not tasted defeat, and recently led the Bucks to a 113-106 comeback victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
When the Clippers challenged the Milwaukee Bucks on the road, Tyronn Lue was also asked if Doug Rivers had been asked about the Los Angeles Clippers trade for James Harden. Tyronn Lue said it was.
"I talked a lot with Doug about James Harden and just got feedback from him on what he thinks works and what doesn't," Tyronn Lue said
"He just thinks it's a great deal for us. Getting a point guard who has won MVP, scoring and assists is almost a no-brainer. Like, he's done everything but win the championship. ”
Doug Rivers also said on the show that because his relationship with James Harden was too "honest" and friendly, this may have been an important factor in his dismissal from Philadelphia. After the 76ers' loss in the 2022-23 season, the Bucks also decided to drop head coaches Doug Rivers and James Harden, who are currently ranked fifth in the East this season.
James Harden, on the other hand, played 55 games with the Los Angeles Clippers, contributing an average of 17 per game to the team6 points, 51 rebound, 83 assists, 11 steal, 09 caps. James Harden is averaging 2 shots per game8 three-pointers, shooting 41% from three-point range.
Although James Harden's statistics are not as good as in previous seasons, his role on the court has refreshed fans' understanding of him. James Harden even had the best defensive season of his career, and for James Harden, it's easy to get a big contract, but it's really hard to get a top salary.