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Los Angeles Clippers
Rookie
Clippers, Jazz Announced Trade On Saturday
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/clippers-jazz-announced-trade-on-saturday/
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Clippers are making moves.
The Utah Jazz agreed to take one of their out-of-favor players in a salary-shedding move.
The Clippers reportedly will send P.J. Tucker, Mo Bamba, a future second-round pick and cash to the Jazz for Drew Eubanks and Patty Mills, according to Shams Charania and Bobby Marks of ESPN.
On paper, this shouldn’t move the needle that much for either team.
Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue will get some diverse threats in Mills and Eubanks.
Mills gives L.A. another playmaker and shooter off the bench, and with Kris Dunn struggling with injuries, the veteran could be serviceable.
He will also be reunited with former San Antonio Spurs teammate Kawhi Leonard.
As for the Jazz, they get some salary off their books and some draft compensation in the process.
Tucker has been away from the Clippers for a while now.
He grew frustrated about not getting to play and now will be a prime buyout candidate.
Though it’s been some time since he was on the court, multiple teams might be interested in his services.
His offensive performance has steadily declined over the years, but he remains a pesky and physical defender who can contend against forwards and some big men.
The Jazz are most likely looking to make more moves, so they’ll be a team to watch as the NBA trade deadline draws closer.
The post Clippers, Jazz Announced Trade On Saturday appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/clippers-jazz-announced-trade-on-saturday/
Los Angeles Clippers
Rookie
James Harden Has Honest Admission About Facing Celtics
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/james-harden-has-honest-admission-about-facing-celtics/
(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Clippers experienced one of their most disappointing losses of the season on Monday night when the Chicago Bulls took them down at home.
Following the 112-99 loss, James Harden was asked about facing the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, and he had a frank and revealing answer.
“I’m not looking toward nobody. We just got whooped at home by the Bulls,” Harden said, according to Farbod Esnaashari, via Legion Hoops.
Like many fans, Harden was astounded and disheartened by the defeat at the hands of the Bulls and isn’t thinking about what’s ahead.
Harden tried his best to pull out a win against the Bulls, posting 17 points and 10 assists.
Meanwhile, Norman Powell had 27 points, while Derrick Jones Jr. and Terance Mann both had 12 points each.
This was supposed to be an easy win for the Clippers even without Kawhi Leonard and it was going to set them up for a productive and exciting week.
Instead, they have been thrown off their game before the match against Boston on Wednesday.
Everyone knows the Celtics are one of the toughest teams in the league, and they will capitalize on every mistake the Clippers make.
Los Angeles needed to head into that game with confidence.
But right now they are unsure of themselves and what they can do.
The Clippers are the fifth team in the West with a 24-18 record.
However, they are just a couple of games ahead of the teams behind them, so a few more losses could see them slip down the standings in a heartbeat.
That means every win is important right now.
Harden was unhappy to see his team fall short and now he has just a day to get himself together and prepare for an incredibly difficult opponent.
The post James Harden Has Honest Admission About Facing Celtics appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/james-harden-has-honest-admission-about-facing-celtics/
Los Angeles Clippers
Rookie
Insider Reveals When Kawhi Leonard Will Make His Season Debut
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/insider-reveals-when-kawhi-leonard-will-make-his-season-debut/
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
It’s been months since we saw Kawhi Leonard take the floor for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Fortunately for the team, the wait is almost over.
According to a report by Shams Charania of ESPN, the former Defensive Player of the Year plans to make his season debut on Saturday vs. the Atlanta Hawks.
After rehabbing from his perennial knee injuries, he will play his first home game at Intuit Dome.
Leonard had already spent some time with the team’s G-League affiliate, so this isn’t much of a surprise.
The Clippers are currently No. 7 in the Western Conference with a 19-15 record.
Needless to say, Leonard’s health would give them a massive boost, as we’re talking about one of the best two-way players in the league.
Then again, it’s hard to envision Leonard being healthy often for this team, especially in the playoffs.
It’s been the same story with him for years, so his return should not really change anything.
The former NBA champion will most likely be under a long-term minutes restriction.
He’s never been the kind of player who will push to be on the court unless he feels he’s close to 100%, regardless of the context or how much his team needs him.
Also, as great a player as he is, we cannot ignore that he is already 33 years old.
If anything, he will be a welcome addition to this team when he can play and for as long as he’s healthy.
The post Insider Reveals When Kawhi Leonard Will Make His Season Debut appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/insider-reveals-when-kawhi-leonard-will-make-his-season-debut/
Los Angeles Clippers
Rookie
Insider Reveals Target Date For Kawhi Leonard’s Return
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/insider-reveals-target-date-for-kawhi-leonards-return/
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Clippers have been held down over the past five years by injury problems, particularly to star forward Kawhi Leonard, and after losing Paul George as a free agent this offseason, it was announced that Leonard would miss an indefinite amount of time to start this season.
It led to some doom and gloom about the Clippers’ prospects, but they have played surprisingly well, which allowed them to open with a 17-13 record that put them in seventh place in the Western Conference.
Now, there reportedly is finally a target date for Leonard’s return.
Without Leonard there to bust defenses and bail them out near the end of the shot clock, the Clippers have been one of the NBA’s weaker offensive teams, but they have gotten by with their defense.
They rank fifth in defensive rating and have held their opponents under 100 points nine times in 30 games.
Their interior defense has been solid, and they’re one of the NBA’s best on the defensive boards, where they rank second in defensive rebounding percentage.
Guard Norman Powell has stepped up offensively in Leonard’s absence, but James Harden is struggling with a field-goal percentage of just 38.9 percent.
The arrival of Leonard and George in 2019 put the Clippers among the favorites to win the NBA championship, but they have gone to the Western Conference Finals just once and have failed to win a single playoff series since 2021.
The post Insider Reveals Target Date For Kawhi Leonard’s Return appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/insider-reveals-target-date-for-kawhi-leonards-return/
Los Angeles Clippers
Rookie
Clippers Are Reportedly Shopping 2 Players On Trade Market
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/clippers-are-reportedly-shopping-2-players-on-trade-market/
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
They haven’t been without their struggles, but the Los Angeles Clippers have performed better in 2024-25 than some people expected, especially because they have been without Kawhi Leonard.
But the team isn’t content with staying the same and is contemplating some action before the trade deadline.
Evan Sidery is reporting the Clippers have been shopping both PJ Tucker and Bones Hyland, as well as draft capital for a “rotational upgrade.”
“Los Angeles is also preparing for Kawhi Leonard’s eventual return from injury soon,” Sidery wrote.
If the Clippers really say goodbye to Tucker and Hyland, few people will be surprised.
Tucker has done very little for the team since coming over in the James Harden trade.
He has averaged just 1.6 points during 15 minutes on the court for only 28 games.
Those games were all last season because Tucker hasn’t played for the Clippers at all this year as he has been attempting to find a new home in the league that would give him more time on the court.
It was only a matter of time before Tucker and the Clippers cut ties.
As for Hyland, his story is a little more complicated.
He moved to the Clippers a few years ago after a year and a half with the Denver Nuggets.
But he hasn’t been given a lot of time to shine in Los Angeles, and his minutes and output have declined.
Sidery made a point to remind readers that Leonard is recovering and should be back with the Clippers soon.
The team is keeping that in mind as they look at all options on the trade market.
They would love the team to be fully formed and ready to compete when their most important star finally returns.
The post Clippers Are Reportedly Shopping 2 Players On Trade Market appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/clippers-are-reportedly-shopping-2-players-on-trade-market/
Los Angeles Clippers
Rookie
Ben Simmons Has Decided On Jersey Number With Clippers
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/ben-simmons-has-decided-on-jersey-number-with-clippers/
(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Ben Simmons is looking to inject new life into his career after signing a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers.
The former No. 1 overall draft pick just agreed to a contract with the Clippers after being waived by the Brooklyn Nets.
To mark the occasion, Simmons is changing his jersey number.
According to Etienne Catalan on X, Simmons will wear No. 25 for the Clippers.
This number was last worn by Moussa Diabate in 2024.
Will a new number give Simmons a different outlook and direction after years of falling short?
Simmons is putting up an average of 6.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists this season.
Once again held back by injuries, Simmons still wasn’t contributing to the Nets as fans had wanted.
But things might change with the Clippers, and Simmons could look like the former Rookie of the Year again.
Over the last several seasons, Simmons has been heavily criticized for his on-court output and lack of aggression.
He has often seemed unsure of himself and hasn’t even attempted a three-point shot since the 2020-21 season.
Fans have been waiting for Simmons to turn the page and start a new chapter of his career, but they may not hold their breath much longer.
If Simmons isn’t able to turn things around in Los Angeles, they might lose all hope, and the Clippers may not keep him around for a long time either.
Simmons’ injury problems are reportedly behind him, so this gives him a perfect chance to show off his new number and his once-remarkable skills to Clippers fans.
The post Ben Simmons Has Decided On Jersey Number With Clippers appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/ben-simmons-has-decided-on-jersey-number-with-clippers/
Los Angeles Clippers
Rookie
Bill Simmons Reveals When Kawhi Leonard Could Return
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/bill-simmons-reveals-when-kawhi-leonard-could-return/
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Clippers entered the 2024-2025 NBA season without one of their best players.
While everything seemingly pointed to Kawhi Leonard being healthy and ready to go, a week before the season opener, it was announced that he wasn’t going to play.
Not only did Leonard not play in the season opener, but he hasn’t made his season debut yet due to his knee issues.
This has been a major setback for the Clippers, who were operating like he would be back into the fold for the entire season.
They’ve still managed a 14-10 record without him, but they could use his services to take down some of the contenders in the West.
A recent episode of Bill Simmons’ podcast indicated that he could enter the fold soon, which could give an infusion of life and talent to this roster.
If a late-December timeline is realistic for Leonard, it could give him enough time and regular season games to gear up for the playoffs, where he has thrived throughout his career.
Leonard’s health has been a major concern over the past several years, but when he is healthy, he’s been a prolific scorer and contributor in the postseason.
It will be interesting to see if he does come back soon, and how long it’ll take to get acclimated to playing with this team.
The post Bill Simmons Reveals When Kawhi Leonard Could Return appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/bill-simmons-reveals-when-kawhi-leonard-could-return/
Los Angeles Clippers
Rookie
Norman Powell Has Strong Belief About Clippers This Season
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/norman-powell-has-strong-belief-about-clippers-this-season/
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
A lot of fans thought dark days would be ahead for the Los Angeles Clippers in 2024-25.
The team lost both Paul George and Russell Westbrook in the summer, and Kawhi Leonard is once again injured.
And while the Clippers could be doing better, they’re actually playing quite well.
According to Norman Powell, this is partly because the team is focused on the right things and all players have the right mindset.
Powell said, via NBACentral:
Being team-oriented is working out well for the Clippers.
The team is sixth in the West with a 14-10 record, which is much better than some people expected.
As for Powell, he is having his best season yet with an average of 23.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists.
With such strong numbers, it’s not surprising to see Powell playing more for Los Angeles, and he is on the court for an average of 32.4 minutes per game.
Powell said that he and his teammates are focused on the task at hand and want to be coachable and willing to do what it takes to achieve victory.
“We’re playing pure basketball,” Powell said, which is music to the ears of Clippers fans who were dreading how bad things could be this year.
The post Norman Powell Has Strong Belief About Clippers This Season appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/norman-powell-has-strong-belief-about-clippers-this-season/
Los Angeles Clippers
Rookie
Former Player Reveals If James Harden Is A Hall Of Famer
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/former-player-reveals-if-james-harden-is-a-hall-of-famer/
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
James Harden is one of the most successful—and controversial—figures in the NBA right now.
No one can argue against his skill and greatness, but some people take issue with how he doesn’t stick with a single team and how he often falls apart in the postseason.
Plus, others are disappointed that he’s never won a championship.
Because of all this, many people wonder if he will be a Hall of Famer in the future.
Speaking on “Run It Back,” Lou Williams said that Harden is definitely a future Hall of Famer.
It doesn’t matter if he hasn’t won a championship, according to Williams, who said:
He added:
James Harden is a NO DOUBT Hall of Famer
"A lot of Hall of Famers had impact on the game and didn't have championships. Tracy McGrady, Allen Iverson… Everywhere he's gone he's left a mark. Philadelphia, Brooklyn, OKC, Houston." – @TeamLou23
https://t.co/iQzNMjiVd2 pic.twitter.com/0kxwILfT2B
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) December 5, 2024
Controversies aside, Harden definitely has what it takes to be in the Hall of Fame.
His career average is 24.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game on 44.0 percent from the field.
It’s true that he’s never been a champion, but his career is about so much more than that.
Williams is right when he says that Harden has left a mark on every team he’s played for.
Whether it be the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, or Los Angeles Clippers, Harden has become a vital part of each team he has played with.
While he would love to win a title before he retires, that doesn’t subtract from the amazing things Harden has done during his 15 years in the NBA.
The post Former Player Reveals If James Harden Is A Hall Of Famer appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/former-player-reveals-if-james-harden-is-a-hall-of-famer/
Los Angeles Clippers
Rookie
NBA West Team Has Quietly Won 5 Straight Games
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/nba-west-team-has-quietly-won-5-straight-games/
(Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
There were so many questions about the Los Angeles Clippers before this season started, and most people were concerned about how well they’d do.
It hasn’t been completely smooth sailing for James Harden and his squad, but they have been doing quite well lately.
According to Legion Hoops, the Clippers have now won five straight games.
Does this team have a legitimate shot of earning a winning record for the regular season and going far in the playoffs?
The Clippers have won 5 straight games.
Sleeper team in the West?pic.twitter.com/OnxhzUVYCb
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) November 25, 2024
The last five wins have been against the Utah Jazz, Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic, Sacramento Kings, and Philadelphia 76ers.
Some of those teams are rather easy to beat, but some of them are quite competitive, which gives more weight to LA’s accomplishment.
Sadly, the Clippers’ impressive winning streak could be coming to an end on Monday night, when they face the Boston Celtics.
Defeating the Celtics isn’t easy for any team, so it’ll be a real test for the Clippers.
This team lost Paul George and Russell Westbrook in the summer, and then Kawhi Leonard suffered yet another injury and hasn’t played a single game yet.
Because of all that, most people thought this would be a lost season for the Clippers.
But they are proving there is still a lot of fight in them, and they are better than expected.
Five wins in a row is definitely noteworthy, especially against these teams.
Now the Clippers will try to keep it up against one of the hardest teams in the league.
If they can make it six in a row, particularly against the Celtics, a lot more people will be talking about the Clippers.
The post NBA West Team Has Quietly Won 5 Straight Games appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/nba-west-team-has-quietly-won-5-straight-games/
Los Angeles Clippers
Rookie
Fans React To Ben Simmons’ Clippers Debut
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/fans-react-to-ben-simmons-clippers-debut/
(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Ben Simmons made his debut with the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday evening and helped the team beat the Utah Jazz, 120-116, in overtime.
After a season of disappointing games, Simmons was actually looking quite good during his first Clippers game.
Bleacher Report highlighted Simmons’ total, reminding fans that he scored 12 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and three steals and went 4-of-5 from the field.
In 27 minutes off the bench, Simmons looked better than he has in a long time.
Has he turned a page and are we about to get vintage Simmons back?
Ben Simmons in his Clippers debut
12 PTS
4-5 FG
8 REB
6 AST
3 STL
27 mins off the bench for the Clips OT winpic.twitter.com/WMoYBcJrDt
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 14, 2025
Fans online both praised and questioned Simmons’ work during Thursday’s game.
Some people were really happy with what they saw, claiming that Simmons could finally be performing better after months of lackluster play.
But there were plenty of people who weren’t blown away by one good game, especially with Simmons’ history of injuries.
Can he remain healthy for the rest of the season, or will he get hurt and miss more time?
Nice first game for Ben Simmons with Clips!
He’ll probably play at least 9 more games before being out for season
— JBond (@jbondwagon) February 14, 2025
Simmons has participated in 34 games this season and has averaged 6.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.9 assists during that time.
A lot of people thought a change of scenery was exactly what Simmons needed to improve his game and play with enthusiasm again.
He’s in Los Angeles now and looked in good shape during Thursday’s game.
But fans will have to see much more than just one or two games before they start believing that Simmons is really back.
If he truly is at 100 percent again, he could provide a huge boost off the bench for the Clippers.
The post Fans React To Ben Simmons’ Clippers Debut appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/fans-react-to-ben-simmons-clippers-debut/
Los Angeles Clippers
Rookie
Kendrick Perkins Names ‘Sneaky Pick’ To Win NBA West
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/kendrick-perkins-names-sneaky-pick-to-win-nba-west/
(Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
With the All-Star Game in the rearview mirror, we’ve officially reached the most crucial part of the NBA season.
As such, it only makes sense that people start making their bold predictions for the final stretch.
With that in mind, former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins shared a rather bold take.
Talking on ESPN’s “Get Up,” the retired big man claimed that the Los Angeles Clippers were now his sneaky pick to come out of the Western Conference.
.@KendrickPerkins says the Clippers are his sneaky pick in the West to make a runpic.twitter.com/FDkkCMTRA3
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) February 17, 2025
Perkins claimed that having Kawhi Leonard being their third option was actually a good thing, as he can play behind James Harden and Norman Powell.
He also believes that Ivica Zubac is one of the most underrated big men in the league.
Perkins also likes the Ben Simmons pickup and predicted that he would be ‘special’ off the bench.
He highly regards coach Tyronn Lue, and if they’re all healthy, he thinks the Clippers can be very dangerous.
Of course, it’s hard to argue with his words, at least on paper.
Nevertheless, we’ve heard and seen this way too many times in the past.
Leonard can’t be trusted to stay healthy, especially late in the season.
Harden has turned back the clock and is having a great season, but he also has a long history of shortcomings in the playoffs.
As for Simmons, he has barely played in the last three years, and he has some well-documented struggles in the postseason.
This team can definitely make some noise, but we’ll have to see it to believe it at this point.
The post Kendrick Perkins Names ‘Sneaky Pick’ To Win NBA West appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/kendrick-perkins-names-sneaky-pick-to-win-nba-west/
Los Angeles Clippers
Rookie
Tyronn Lue Has Honest Admission About How Clippers Can Get Better
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/tyronn-lue-has-honest-admission-about-how-clippers-can-get-better/
(Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Clippers have lost six of their last seven games and were taken down by the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night.
The team hasn’t been playing like they want and fans are growing impatient, especially as the playoffs get closer.
Head coach Tyronn Lue spoke about what his Clippers need to do to get better.
He was honest about what should happen.
Can the Clippers get that done since it’s so simple?
Clippers fans were expecting their team to be in better shape at this point in the season.
They have both James Harden and Kawhi Leonard playing but are still facing serious problems.
On Tuesday night, both Harden and Leonard scored 21 points each, while Harden also put up 15 assists.
Still, it wasn’t enough and they were defeated by the struggling Suns.
There are other multiple bright spots on the roster, such as Ivica Zubac, who is having a sensational season.
During Tuesday’s game, he posted 35 points and 10 rebounds.
The Clippers obviously have plenty of talent but are making mistakes that are costing them must-win games.
They now sit as the ninth seed in the West with a 32-29 record.
If the playoffs started today, they would have to claw and fight their way through the play-in tournament.
The Clippers have a lot of experienced and proven players and they have all found postseason success before, so they shouldn’t be counted out.
But they will need to get their heads in the game if they wish to make fans proud and have some sort of impact in the playoffs.
If they have yet another disappointing run, there may be calls for this team to be completely blown up and rebuilt.
The post Tyronn Lue Has Honest Admission About How Clippers Can Get Better appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/tyronn-lue-has-honest-admission-about-how-clippers-can-get-better/
Los Angeles Clippers
Rookie
James Harden Made NBA History On Wednesday
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/james-harden-made-nba-history-on-wednesday/
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
James Harden of the Los Angeles Clippers has been quietly having one of his best seasons in years.
That was on full display Wednesday evening, as Harden posted 50 points against the Detroit Pistons.
According to the NBA on X, that makes Harden just the seventh player aged 35 or older to tally 50+ points in a game.
He joins the exclusive club of Stephen Curry (who did it three times), LeBron James (who did it twice), Alex English, Jamal Crawford, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan.
That is some great company for Harden.
Harden is now in his 16th season and is averaging 22.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game on 39.2 percent from the field and 33.9 percent from the three-point line.
His numbers have climbed up compared to what he did for the Clippers last year and he hasn’t had many bad games.
This is now his second season in Los Angeles and, in many ways, it’s more important than the first.
That’s because Harden has been tasked with leading the team more and they have called on him more than they have Kawhi Leonard.
Harden has had to perform like a team leader more often and he has been doing a good job at it.
The Clippers aren’t exactly where they want to be and remain the eighth seed in the West with a 33-29 record.
Although they’d like to be higher in the standings, they’d probably be much lower if it wasn’t for Harden and his output.
His latest game was the best of the season, but he’s been undeniably consistent all year long.
The post James Harden Made NBA History On Wednesday appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/james-harden-made-nba-history-on-wednesday/
Los Angeles Clippers
Rookie
Ben Simmons Has Honest Admission About His Critics
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/ben-simmons-has-honest-admission-about-his-critics/
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
After being the No. 1 draft pick in 2016 and Rookie of the Year after his opening season, things got rocky for Ben Simmons.
Between his time with the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, and now the Los Angeles Clippers, Simmons has experienced a lot of ups and downs, with many people questioning his commitment to the game.
Simmons recently pushed back against criticisms of him and said that he lives and breathes basketball and loves it more than anything.
During his rookie season, Simmons averaged 15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.2 assists.
His numbers peaked a year later and then started to go downhill.
Eventually, his relationship with the Sixers would sour and he would find his way to the Brooklyn Nets.
But instead of turning his career around in Brooklyn, he continued to struggle and left the team with an average of 6.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists.
He then moved to the Los Angeles Clippers and has looked a bit more comfortable playing for that team.
However, a lot of people wonder if he will ever play like the exciting young star he was less than ten years ago.
Many NBA fans have asked if Simmons likes to play basketball and if his heart is still in it.
He swears that it is and continually promises that he will deliver and help his team find success.
The post Ben Simmons Has Honest Admission About His Critics appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/ben-simmons-has-honest-admission-about-his-critics/
Los Angeles Clippers
Rookie
Analyst Believes NBA West Team Will Be Dangerous In Playoffs
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/analyst-believes-nba-west-team-will-be-dangerous-in-playoffs/
(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
The Western Conference is looking very fluid with just weeks to go before the NBA playoffs.
Which teams will make it, which will fall short, and which will fight through the Play-In Tournament?
Speaking on “Gil’s Arena,” Kenyon Martin agreed that the Los Angeles Clippers could be “dangerous” in the postseason, partly because of the hard work of Ben Simmons.
Martin got some pushback for this claim, but said that Simmons, when healthy, is still a good competitor because of his size, his defense, and his ability to pass.
The Clippers & Ben Simmons will be dangerous in the playoffspic.twitter.com/sPKWxFKa2C
— Gil’s Arena (@GilsArenaShow) March 20, 2025
A lot of people have criticized Simmons over the years, saying that it seems like his heart isn’t in the game anymore.
When he was recently acquired by the Clippers, a lot of people didn’t expect much from Simmons.
Since coming to Los Angeles, Simmons has averaged 4.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists.
He might not be the player he once was, and may be injury-prone, but Martin thinks Simmons can still make a difference.
The Clippers have been getting better and better lately, not just because of Simmons.
Kawhi Leonard is healthy, James Harden has grown very comfortable in his leadership role, and supporting stars like Ivica Zubac have reached new heights.
They are now the seventh seed in the West with a 39-30 record.
The Clippers have had really bad luck in the playoffs over the last few years, but they are hoping to change that this season.
They are peaking at a great time, have several strong stars ready to compete, and shouldn’t be counted out.
Simmons might be a nice addition to the team, but the Clippers are doing well for multiple reasons.
The post Analyst Believes NBA West Team Will Be Dangerous In Playoffs appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/analyst-believes-nba-west-team-will-be-dangerous-in-playoffs/
Los Angeles Clippers
Rookie
Stephen A. Smith Reveals Why He Isn’t Sold On The Clippers
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/stephen-a-smith-reveals-why-he-isnt-sold-on-the-clippers/
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Clippers have come to life and have now won four games in a row.
They are the seventh seed in the West and have defeated some tough opponents lately.
But even though they are playing well, Stephen A. Smith told “First Take” that he still doesn’t believe in them for one very important reason: the health of Kawhi Leonard.
"The reason I'm not sold on the Clippers is because … I'm just waiting for Kawhi Leonard to get hurt. I know that come playoff time, he's not going to be available."
@stephenasmith pic.twitter.com/sRuaAQFavT
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 19, 2025
The Clippers took down the league-best Cleveland Cavaliers the other night, and Leonard posted 33 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and four steals during that win.
He has been heating up lately and looking better and better.
He doesn’t move or play like a star who is always injured, but his history suggests otherwise.
Like many others, Smith has been very disappointed seeing Leonard sit out of many games and postseason runs because of various injuries.
In fact, he has been very vocal about Leonard being unreliable and one of the most inconsistent superstars ever.
The Clippers have actually thrived without Leonard this season, and Smith tipped his hat to the hard work of James Harden and head coach Ty Lue.
They have figured out how to overcome their opponents even without Leonard, who has appeared in 26 games with a season average of 19.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists.
Clippers fans love what they see from their team right now, but they are also cautious and concerned.
They have been in this situation before and injuries derailed everything.
Will that happen again?
The post Stephen A. Smith Reveals Why He Isn’t Sold On The Clippers appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/stephen-a-smith-reveals-why-he-isnt-sold-on-the-clippers/
Los Angeles Clippers
Rookie
James Harden Leads An Impressive Stat Since 2014
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/james-harden-leads-an-impressive-stat-since-2014/
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Clippers won their fifth game in a row on Friday night and, unsurprisingly, James Harden was a major reason why.
He led his team with 30 points and that was just the latest strong performance from the superstar.
According to StatMamba, per Hoop Central, Harden leads the entire NBA in 30-point games since 2014.
Harden has critics for a number of reasons, but no one can say he can’t score.
James Harden leads the entire NBA in 30-point games since 2014, per @StatMamba —
Generational scorer.pic.twitter.com/lK01YlCFVx
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 22, 2025
It’s been another strong year for the 11-time All-Star.
Harden is averaging 22.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game, shooting 39.8 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from beyond the three-point line.
For his career, Harden has an average of 24.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 7.2 assists.
Over the last few years, people have complained about Harden’s output and energy on the court.
They say his head and heart weren’t in the game like in previous years.
However, Harden is having a powerful season again and is performing much better than last year.
Additionally, he has looked much more comfortable with the Clippers and has embraced his leadership role too.
Harden might not be scoring as much as he did during his peak years with the Houston Rockets, but he’s still a terrific scorer and a capable and proven floor general.
The Clippers are the seventh seed in the West with a 40-30 record.
They have a very good chance of reaching the playoffs, which could raise some concerns.
Harden has been in the postseason many times, but a lot of fans don’t like how he performs when he reaches the playoffs.
This season could be a chance for redemption for Harden.
The post James Harden Leads An Impressive Stat Since 2014 appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/james-harden-leads-an-impressive-stat-since-2014/
Los Angeles Clippers
Rookie
James Harden Had Notable Career Milestone On Sunday
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/james-harden-had-notable-career-milestone-on-sunday/
(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Clippers may not have beaten the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday night, but several of their stars were shining bright.
James Harden had a good night and posted 17 points, five rebounds, and eight assists.
Even though he didn’t win, Harden earned another spot in league history.
According to Courtside Buzz, Harden passed Moses Malone for 11th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with a total of 27,410 career points.
That puts Harden right behind Carmelo Anthony with 28,289 and Shaquille O’Neal with 28,596.
With the way he’s been playing, he could surpass those two soon.
BREAKING: James Harden has passed Moses Malone for 11th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 27,410 career points!
12. Moses Malone – 27,409
11. James Harden – 27,410
10. Carmelo Anthony – 28,289
9. Shaquille O’Neal – 28,596
8. Kevin Durant – 30,469
Where will… pic.twitter.com/9mAf0AjGZR
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) March 24, 2025
Harden is averaging 22.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists on the court this season, shooting 39.6 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from the three-point line.
He has found a much better footing with the Clippers during this season with the team and is looking more comfortable as a leader.
Plus, he has remained mostly healthy and has participated in 68 games.
People are taking note of Harden’s resurgence and he was even awarded an All-Star spot this year.
He is putting up strong numbers and is also guiding his team with his years of experience and expertise.
It’s no secret that controversy has followed Harden across the league as he has moved to different teams, with people questioning his work ethic.
But he looks completely engaged with the Clippers, and they have been climbing higher in the standings lately.
Harden made history with Sunday’s game, but he also showed the NBA world that his team could pose a threat to a team as fierce and remarkable as the Oklahoma City Thunder.
That may have been the bigger accomplishment.
The post James Harden Had Notable Career Milestone On Sunday appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/james-harden-had-notable-career-milestone-on-sunday/