The Los Angeles Clippers decided to make a bold move earlier in the 2023-24 NBA regular season by making a blockbuster trade with the Philadelphia 76ers in order to bring in superstar guard James Harden.
Initially, the move looked like it was going to be a disaster for the Clippers, with the team struggling immediately, as Tyronn Lue and his coaching staff couldn’t seem to figure out how to play the right combination of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Russell Westbrook, and Harden.
However, with the regular season hitting the halfway point, the Clippers’ bold move to bring in Harden is looking more genius than a misfire, as the team has been firing on all cylinders.
Harden recently called out the critics after the Clippers’ win over the Suns.
James Harden on his fit with the Clippers:
“Obviously it didn’t start off well. It gave people so much to talk about in a negative way. And now those people that was talking, they’re nowhere to be found. Like literally nowhere to be found.” pic.twitter.com/4JXAWkG85S
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) January 4, 2024
The Clippers are currently sporting a record of 21-12 while winning eight of their last 10 games, but that hasn’t stopped Kendrick Perkins of ESPN from criticizing Harden for his recent comments about haters via NBA on ESPN.
“At the end of the day, James, no one cares. We want to see what you do in the postseason,” Perkins said.
"At the end of the day, James, no one cares. We want to see what you do in the postseason." 😅 @kendrickperkins in response to Harden's statements about haters. pic.twitter.com/sjfT1OZSXC
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 4, 2024
Perkins didn’t hold back in his criticism of Harden, especially when saying his former Oklahoma City Thunder teammate disappeared in the NBA Finals while playing alongside Kevin Durant and Westbrook.
Even though Perkins may have gone a bit too far in his criticism of Harden, he isn’t wrong about the former NBA MVP’s disappearing act in the NBA playoffs during his career, as he has yet to prove he’s a game-changer when the lights are the brightest in this league.
Fortunately for Harden, he has a chance to change the narrative if the Clippers continue to play well and prove to be a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference.
NEXT: James Harden Calls Out Critics After Latest Win