Two Games, 52 Points, 18 Rebounds, 24 Assists: Goodbye, Kawhi! Clippers Officially Crown New Leader…

The NBA season is off to a dramatic start, and the LA Clippers are already in a whirl of change. With two games under their belt, James Harden is demonstrating his elite playmaking, as well as his capability to lead a team on his own. Over just two games, Harden has amassed a remarkable 52 points, 18 rebounds, and 24 assists, performing like a player in peak form and making it increasingly clear who should take the reins of the Clippers. Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard’s absence has left a substantial void, sparking rumors that he may remain out indefinitely this season. For the Clippers, this could mean that Harden’s role as the primary leader of the squad is not just temporary but the way forward.

Clippers’ New Look: Harden’s High Efficiency and Aggressive Play

In a display of Harden’s on-ball dominance, the Clippers battled two strong Western Conference contenders — the Phoenix Suns and the Denver Nuggets — narrowly losing to the Suns by three and triumphing over the Nuggets by five points. In both games, Harden showed why he’s still among the league’s best, delivering his signature passing and shooting prowess with outstanding efficiency. His statistics speak volumes about his impact: Harden contributed a game-leading 23 points and 16 assists against the Nuggets, supplemented by 7 rebounds. Although he committed 7 turnovers, the total performance was stellar and showcased his offensive power.

The addition of Harden to the Clippers gives them a fresh edge. His game intelligence allows him to create opportunities for teammates, maintain ball movement, and control the tempo. With Harden orchestrating from the perimeter, Clippers’ forward Norman Powell has also taken full advantage of the open looks created, scoring 37 points against Denver on an outstanding 67% shooting and hitting seven three-pointers. Ivica Zubac was another beneficiary, securing a double-double with 24 points and 15 rebounds.

Kawhi’s Future in Question: Injury Concerns Loom Large

As Harden steps up, the glaring question facing the Clippers remains Kawhi Leonard’s future. Leonard’s health issues have been a recurring dilemma, and with his latest indefinite absence, the reality of a potential season-long absence looms larger than ever. Although the Clippers have not ruled Leonard out for the entire season, reports suggest an indefinite period of rest, a term often signaling a highly uncertain return date. If Leonard is indeed sidelined for an extended period, Harden’s role will expand even further, as he will be relied upon to carry a much heavier load, both in scoring and facilitating.

The Clippers’ recent games have given fans a taste of what Harden can do as the team’s main playmaker. Unlike in his recent seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets, where his responsibilities were split, Harden’s full range of skills shines when he takes on a more independent role. Aware of Leonard’s unknown status, the Clippers are looking at Harden to stabilize the roster, build chemistry, and potentially lead the Clippers to a playoff berth — something that seems feasible given his recent performances.

Depth and Strategy: Will Harden’s Leadership Be Enough?

The Clippers roster has seen adjustments, including rotating roles for the likes of Powell, Terance Mann, and Mason Plumlee. But depth remains a challenge, especially without Leonard. Head coach Tyronn Lue and the Clippers coaching staff may need to lean into load management even more strategically this season, maximizing Harden’s presence while ensuring the roster stays intact for the grueling months ahead. With Harden serving as a foundational player, the Clippers may prioritize selective rotations to keep their roster competitive through the regular season.

Despite this, questions arise about how much strain Harden will face if Leonard’s return continues to be delayed. Leading the Clippers in points, assists, and minutes is feasible in the short term but might demand too much from Harden in the long run. The team will need consistent contributions from other role players if they want to remain a solid playoff contender.

Harden’s New Era with the Clippers: Potential for an All-Star Comeback?

If Harden maintains his current performance, he could be a strong contender for an All-Star return and, quite possibly, a larger contract. The Clippers made a calculated risk signing him, and if Harden sustains this level of play, his stock is bound to rise. For fans and analysts, his early-season success is indicative that he is still capable of playing at an elite level — a reminder of his MVP-caliber seasons with the Houston Rockets. As Harden proves his value and commitment to his role with the Clippers, he could even position himself for a future in LA, building a team that might be redefined under his leadership.

While Harden’s future in LA looks promising, it’s Kawhi Leonard’s indefinite leave that raises eyebrows. Leonard’s absence, combined with Harden’s recent ascension, seems to mark the end of the “old” Clippers and the beginning of a new era. For Harden, this is a unique opportunity — he has the chance to redefine himself as a franchise leader in one of the league’s biggest markets, a shot at building a legacy that is distinctly his.

In short, the Clippers may have found a new path forward in Harden’s leadership, with Leonard’s absence catalyzing a shift that could have lasting implications for the team’s identity. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Harden and the evolving dynamics of the Clippers — an evolving story of star power, leadership, and the delicate balance of navigating through unknowns.