Harden: Clippers' new-look offense 'going to involve a lot of me'
Clippers star James Harden is embracing Los Angeles' new-look offense, which will feature him as the focal point.
"It's definitely going to involve a lot of me," Harden said about the Clippers' style of play at Monday's media day, according to the Washington Post's Ben Golliver.
The Clippers endured a tumultuous summer ahead their first year at their brand-new stadium - Intuit Dome - in Inglewood, California.
Superstar forward Paul George took his talents to Philadelphia, signing a four-year, $212-million deal with the 76ers. George said in July the Clippers originally offered him a "disrespectful" two-year, $60-million contract extension.
Former MVP Russell Westbrook also left this summer, inking a two-year, $6.8-million contract with the Denver Nuggets. Harden, however, decided to re-sign on a two-year deal worth $70 million.
"I'm home. I don't plan on going anywhere else. I wanna leave a legacy," Harden said Monday, according to Sports Illustrated's Joey Linn.
Meanwhile, Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard - who inked a three-year, $152-million extension in January - was forced to pull out of the 2024 Paris Olympics and reportedly had knee surgery in the offseason. Leonard remains a limited participant in practice as he continues to deal with swelling in his right knee.
Harden understands Leonard will be crucial for the Clippers during the playoffs and wants his teammate to be fully healthy before he returns.
"We need Kawhi later in the year and healthy. ... Whenever he's ready and available, he can take his time and join in," Harden said.
Harden's 20.6% usage rate last season was his lowest since he was a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 35-year-old was consistently among the league leaders in usage during his eight seasons with the Houston Rockets.
"There was talk when I was in Houston ... 'You can't win like that.' You just saw a guy last season make the Finals playing the same exact way I played," Harden said Monday, per Golliver. Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic led the league with a 36% usage rate last season.
Harden isn't the only player who's excited for new opportunities. Clippers guard Norman Powell was candid about George's departure.
"I saw it as addition by subtraction. More guys getting opportunities, including myself," Powell said Monday, per Linn.
The Clippers will begin their season Oct. 23 against the Phoenix Suns.