From Hope to Despair: Reflections of a New Clippers Fan Following Harden’s Journey
For those who have newly aligned themselves with the Clippers this season, the transition from hopeful anticipation to utter despair might be all too familiar. Prior to the playoffs, there was an array of voices rallying behind Leonard, believing that after resting for over a month, he would return at full strength, leading the team’s charge for the championship. However, reality has proven to be harsh. Leonard’s knee has reached its breaking point, and it seems unlikely that he can manage his knee inflammation without a period of rest akin to the NBA’s hiatus during the 19-20 season. With the season now over for Leonard and the Clippers bidding farewell, Harden finds himself in a disheartening situation, while the management may take solace in George not extending his contract.
Ahead of the crucial Game 6, the Clippers’ official injury report confirms Leonard’s continued absence, setting the stage for what could very well be the team’s final game of the season. The Mavericks, on the other hand, will approach it as a do-or-die battle, strategizing against George and Harden with Leonard’s absence in mind. Undoubtedly, Leonard faces not only the end of the season but potentially his fourth consecutive premature end to a campaign. Over the past three seasons, Leonard has consistently missed the Clippers’ final games, and despite the saying that things don’t happen thrice, Leonard is now facing his fourth consecutive season ending in despair for the team.
From Harden’s perspective, what else is there to say? Unfavorable circumstances? Plagued by misfortune? In any case, from the dismantling of the Warriors to the Rockets missing their best chance at a championship due to reluctance to pay luxury tax, to the vaccine issues during his tenure with the Nets, Irving’s convictions, and Durant’s vulnerabilities. Subsequently, during his time with the 76ers, Embiid’s focus solely on personal accolades, combined with Rivers’ ineffectiveness and the management’s deception, Harden’s eventual move to the Clippers seemed like a liberation. However, reality proved otherwise; Harden merely leaped from one pitfall to another, each year featuring a different storyline but the same ending. In light of this, it may be time for Harden to relinquish his obsession with the championship. Since he has performed well in the series, he should focus on salvaging his financial losses as much as possible.
Viewed from the perspective of Clippers management, one might argue that they should be thankful for George’s premature contract extension falling through. Imagine if Leonard had signed a $152 million, 3-year contract, and if George had extended his contract at the same time. This would have meant that the Clippers’ salary cap space would have been locked up for the next few years, potentially perpetuating the same cycle of despair caused by recurring injuries, with little hope in sight. Instead, George not extending his contract allows the Clippers the option to rebuild. If they decide to rebuild, they can part ways with George and Harden. Even if Leonard is put up for trade, despite his injury risks, given his talent, he would not likely be left unwanted.
On the other hand, George’s situation poses a much greater problem. In previous seasons, the Clippers repeatedly explored trade options for George without finding a satisfactory solution. If the contract extension had been finalized, it’s likely that the 34-year-old George would have become an expensive liability. Looking at it now, the Clippers seem to be inching closer to disbandment. Over the years, the team has been burdened by luxury tax pressure. According to the labor agreement, if a team pays luxury tax four times in five consecutive years, and if their salaries continue to exceed the luxury tax threshold, they will start paying a super luxury tax. The Warriors have been troubled by the super luxury tax.