LA Clippers depth chart: Does James Harden trade impact Russell Westbrook's starting role?
James Harden is heading to the Los Angeles Clippers after being traded by the Philadelphia 76ers. The move involves seven players plus a few draft picks.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, James Harden, P.J. Tucker and Filip Petrusev will be going to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for the expiring contracts of Marcus Morris, Nic Batum, Robert Covington, KJ Martin and multiple draft picks.
Analyzing this trade, ESPN depth charts already have Harden in the starting five, bumping Russell Westbrook to the bench.
Here is what the LA Clippers depth chart would look like:
With this move, the Clippers will have more depth in their second unit, with Russell Westbrook leading the charge. There might even be times that the roster can go small in the closing minutes of the game, having both Westbrook and Harden on the court at the same time.
Los Angeles Clippers get stronger with James Harden and P.J. Tucker
James Harden adds spacing with his 3-point shooting that Russell Westbrook can't provide. He should be able to help set up wing players Paul George and Kawhi Leonard even better, while Terance Mann will have more open looks. Expect Ivica Zubac to also improve by having Harden as a pick-and-roll partner.
P.J. Tucker is an underrated addition to the Clippers, but his familiarity with Harden will certainly help. The team can now run a small-ball lineup with Tucker at the center position and maybe team up with all four NBA All-Stars at one point.
Russell Westbrook has grown accustomed to coming off the bench. He did this with the Los Angeles Lakers. But having a system more suited to his talents could make him a threat off the bench.
The Los Angeles Clippers face the Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, respectively. There is no word about whether James Harden will be ready to play for the Clippers in those games, but he will most likely be available when the team goes on the road and takes on the New York Knicks on Nov. 6.