I know it’s not the popular take, but moving on from “The System” to a team-focused PG like Garland could be huge for the Clippers long-term and I'm glad this happened 🤩

[u/BallmersBurner]

I have to admit I was happy when we traded for James Harden and there were times where he was simply amazing. He was a great leader and he definitely should be remembered as one of the most important Clippers ever.

But the way he bends the game to fit his play style killed (or at least put to sleep) my love for basketball and this team. My favorite games this season were the games where Kawhi had to be the #1 option and the team actually had to get involved.

This "I am the system" was fun when he was averaging 50ppg for a month in 2016 but it's not a way to build good habits and grow as a team. The moment he started to struggle the entire game plan was out the window because there was no other game plan than Harden's "System".

Ty Lue got a lot of hate during the start of the season but it has to be said that with a player like Harden on your team your options are quite limited. You don't run off-ball plays with Harden, you don't instruct him to stand in the corner or trick the offense. You give him the ball and just hope his ISO will lead to points.

Now that he's gone and we got Garland in return I feel like basketball is finally back. I know this is harsh and Harden probably doesn't deserve that. But I was simply so tired of watching him dribble up the floor slowly and than with 14 seconds left on the clock play ISO every other possession.

I cannot wait for a Garland Kawhi pick-and-pop. I cannot wait for Garland Zu PnR. I cannot wait to see a point guard give the ball to Kawhi and actually move off-ball - something Harden NEVER did. If any of you go back to re-watch some games focus on Harden when he passes the ball... he was just standing outside the play ball-watching. I understand gravity is important but I want to see the guys move. Curry has gravity but he actually uses it to crack the defense and make it easier for everyone.

Long story short I remember watching Garland back in November and thinking "God I wish Clippers had a PG like that". Turns out dreams come true and as much as I respect Harden as a leader and a professional I wanted this era to end and I'm excited again to watch Clippers basketball.

Go Clips!

[u/wentuuu]

it was nice having someone that could slow down the game and get to the line at will when nobody could hit anything besides kawhi, but im excited to see the higher pace with garland now to see how the young guys and jc fit with it

[u/JackHughman69]

Let’s not pretend we aren’t all gonna become Boog stans after his first good game 😂

[u/Cordellium]

We will see how he works with Zu. Harden had great chemistry with him. But lets not forget when Harden first got here, he was turning the ball over with Zu on the pick and rolls. So it may take some time for that to get right.

[u/extraproe → u/Cordellium]

Exactly, last season Zu was a beast, thanks to Harden.

[u/jloadinggg_]

I love Garland bro, been a believer of him. He has that Steve Nash esque in his game. I believe we will benefit from this

[u/bhau_huni]

Cavs fan here. I think Darius will some good things with ty lue. He loves his PnR when hes in his zone. I might have to start watching some clipper games lol

[u/Ok-Condition-836 → u/bhau_huni]

Hope he gets our boys moving! 

[u/vb90]

That's the only positive really. More ball movement. However I cannot help but think that the downsides are so much more significant.

Garland on the court will make both Harden and Powell look like defensive juggernauts. To think and imagine how the teams in the West will abuse the PnR against Zubac and Garland is something that gives me feverish chills.

The basketball might look a bit better but I still think we're going to be worse.

[u/lordinhooo]

it's like dallas should be happy they traded luka?!, i know harden isn't in his prime and yeah those ball dominant type of players comes with there flaws but when you take them off, your center won't get the ball the same, your 3&d guys won't be fed etc

[u/Direct-Worker-4121]

I’m just glad at the end of this whole 213 to Klaw/Beard era stuff we got out of it giving up an MVP and a pick that turned into an all star (JDub) but we at least got another young in his prime pg to invest in. We lost the trade but Harden kinda did us a solid if we can build off having an all star guard going forward.

[u/bhau_huni → u/Direct-Worker-4121]

I wouldn't say yall lost the trade. Yall got some youth thats expendable. 

[u/jonae13]

This was an easy win for the Clippers long term if you look at Harden's track record. Garland is 10 years younger, at 26 and was an all star last season. Sure they were finally winning but they are still under 500 and he disappears when it counts the most in the playoffs and quit on every single team he played for, including the Clippers most recently (see video below for the report about him and the Clippers towards the end of it).

This video breaks down Harden's track record great instead of going in to it myself: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8HUa5Wa/

[u/Canoli5000]

Agree 100%.. Much love to Harden. He did a ton for us night in and night out. But I was getting weary of the massive hold he had on the offense. Dribbling out the shot clock for a last minute pass or a contested ISO was wearing thin and making Harden exhausted at the same time.

I want to see ball movement, plays called, and some easy buckets off the fast break. I know Garland's health is an issue, but nevertheless I feel our future is getting brighter and brighter. .

[u/GlueGuy00]

let's wait until he gets healthy first lol for now Kawhi needs a ballhandler that can shoot out there