James Harden trade is going to be HUGE for the Clippers.
Just think about how many additional FT and fouls drawn on the starters of the opposing team.
Let’s give Warriors with Klay, Dray and Steph as an example.
PG and Kawhi drew 8 fouls per game on average.
Now you are James Harden who can draw 6 additional fouls per game.
That’s 14 fouls drawn per game from 3 players. That’s guaranteed to get the opposing team’s best defenders and players in foul trouble.
If they are in foul trouble, they will play less aggressive and efficiently. So Klay, Dray or Steph has a high chance drawing 2 fouls in first quarter due to the Big 3. That alters the game completely.
Whenever the opponent’s top 3 players can get in foul trouble, it completely changes the game. Those high usage players can’t play as aggressive and gives a huge advantage.
I woke up this morning craving some MIT content, then saw the Wojbomb. My day is complete
True though they have four stars who can get the whistle and deserve it, ideally. Though Russ hasn’t been drawing nearly as many or able to finish as well the last two years — looked better at the rim so far this season
That and I am incredibly optimistic about Harden’s ceiling. The hate he’s gotten from Nets and Sixers fans and casuals is amnesiac, his peaks have still been incredible