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.
Harden draws elite defenders too. Watched the Boston series, and they were rotating everyone on him, White, Grant, Brown, Smart, it’s going to wear guys down, trying to collectively guard all of our guys is going to be hell for teams. And wait until Bones really breaks out, Harden is known for helping unlock Maxey’s potential & Bones is on the verge of breaking out.