Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers got the James Harden era underway last night, defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 124-91. Though Harden didn’t feature in the game, all the talk was about how he would impact the team when he joins the starting line-up in due course.
Donovan Mitchell Breaks Down How James Harden Changes Everything for Cavaliers
Speaking post-game, Cavs star Mitchell said, “I mean that guy does it at all levels right, he’s a hall of fame player, but I think the biggest thing is he’s going to make everyone’s life easier.”
“Whether it’s getting to the paint, trying to create, getting to the free-throw line, but obviously we know he can score.”
“I think our bigs are going to really feed off that. They will be able to get easier buckets, which will make it easier for everyone else. There are going to be bumps throughout, but it’s about getting better.”
Harden was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers for two-time All-Star Darius Garland and a 2026 second-round pick. This season, Harden has played 44 games, averaging 25.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 8.1 assists (3rd in the NBA). The 11-time All-Star is still shooting the ball at an elite level, and his assists average speaks for itself, having developed into one of the game’s best playmakers in recent years.
Harden is historically one of the best pick-and-roll operators in the game, and with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen setting the screens, Harden will have a lot of joy. The former MVP is still shooting efficiently from the field, nailing 41.9% of his shots and 34.7% from beyond the arc. Harden has struggled to shoulder the offensive burden in playoff situations, earning a reputation as a ‘choke job’ in postseason crunch time.
With Mitchell as his right-hand man, Harden can play his own game, which he’s become accustomed to playing with the Clippers. He is one of the most complete scorers in the NBA this season, averaging 28.8 points per game. With Harden’s elite playmaking, the partnership has all the ingredients for success.
The combination of scoring, playmaking, size, and defensive capabilities puts the Cavs under immense pressure to win an NBA championship in the next two seasons. The current starting five could potentially be Harden (PG), Mitchell (SG), Jaylon Tyson (SF), Mobley (PF), and Jarrett Allen ©.
The Cavs haven’t been under this kind of pressure since LeBron James led them to four straight finals and won the title in 2016. All that’s missing from that starting five is an elite small forward. Will James make the move in the offseason to finish off his fairytale chapter in the NBA?
