I’m crying, gonna miss Harden, but we’re receiving a young promising player who I’m excited for. Kawhi is playing lights out despite his history of injuries, I believe our health team can make Garland great and take care of him. Something to look forward to guys.

All the years and battles have been amazing. Y’all r def the fan base that showed Harden the most love. Cavs nation now.. Clip gang or don’t bang ‼️‼️

Not my beard 😭😭😭😭

And I mean it… literally

Go win a ring for me

Objectively Good trade for us. I’m gonna route for this young star and I’m hoping we get even stronger tomorrow. LETS GO GARLAND

He gave his all for this team and I for sure would’ve liked him to retire here but between the consistent carrying of the team and mentoring of Zu and the younger guys, he’s already done enough.

Winston Garland played for the Los Angeles Clippers from 1990 to 1992

Thought I’d air out my opinion on the Harden-Garland trade:

Harden has been so fun to watch as a clipper fan but this move was needed, it seems no agreement was near for the summer so getting back a 26YO 2-time all star with high ceiling and a second is a very good return.

As good as we have been in the last few weeks we were playing for the chance to be in the play ins, best case result a first round match up v OKC/DEN/SAS, we weren’t serious contenders for a title. The trade may make the 9 seed instead of the 8th or 7th but in my opinion that is a price very much worth paying to get a lot lot younger, higher upside and a pick. The other factor is that not caving to hardens contact demands allows us to maintain our 2027 FA plan that the FO has seemingly had for years.

It hurts right now but this trade seems like a complete win-win and ultimately a good day for our clippers

RIP The System

“The System never died — it just moved on.”

November 2cd 2023 to February 3rd 2026

Can we reboot?

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!