Clippers news: Harden shows leadership temperament, new players express their sacrifice, Paul may delay retirement

Harden showed leadership temperament

Not long ago, Clippers coach Tyron Lu said in an interview that he would reduce Harden's usage rate and game load in the new season to ensure that he can have sufficient physical fitness and avoid some potential injuries caused by fatigue. Today, Harden was interviewed after the team's training and talked about this matter. Harden said: "I have never planned to reduce my workload. As long as I can help the team win, no matter if I want me to play 36, 37, 38, or 40 minutes, I will bear as much as I should bear. I will prepare for every game."

Last season's regular season, Harden averaged 35.3 minutes of playing time, setting a career high for the Clippers; Harden's playing time in the playoffs reached 39.4 minutes, ranking among the top in the league. With Harden's 36-year-old age and his team commander positioning, reducing usage and load is indeed an option that should be considered. However, Harden is a very valuable quality to take the initiative to take responsibility and express his willingness to sacrifice personal interests for the team's victory. After all, even if Harden plays a few minutes less or even misses a few games, no one will blame anything, and his salary will not be reduced as a result. This undoubtedly fully demonstrates Harden's sense of responsibility and leadership temperament.

New aid expressed sacrifice

This offseason, the Clippers completed a tripartite deal with the Heat and Jazz, sending out the team's main shooting guard last season, and exchanged the Jazz for the beast forward John Collins who can fly and dunk and have certain shooting ability. In this regard, many media and fans believe that Collins, who can contribute 20 points and 10 rebounds per game, will be the best choice for the Clippers to start the fourth position. However, during the media day interview session, Clippers coach Tyron Lu gave an unexpected answer. He said that the team has only four starting players, namely Harden, Bill, Leonard and Zubac. The fifth starter has not been confirmed yet. It will be decided based on the training camp performance and on-field running-in situation.

Today, Collins was interviewed after the team's training and responded to his opinion on whether to start. Collins said: "It is good to be able to start, but it is not that important in the end. No matter what role the team wants me to play, as long as I can make efficient contributions and bring enough help to the team, that is the most important thing. The veterans in the team have high expectations for me. All I have to do is train hard and then play every game well." It is obvious that it is not difficult to hear from Collins' words that he is willing to make sacrifices, and even as a substitute, he will be ready and give his all. I have to say that Collins is not very old and is relatively mature and visionary in consideration. I also hope that the Clippers can make the most reasonable choice in the starting lineup arrangement.

Paul may delay retirement

Previously, Chris Paul reached a one-year veteran basic salary contract with the Clippers and returned to Los Angeles after 8 years. At that time, there were rumors that Paul returned to the Clippers in addition to wanting to be closer to his family and friends, another important reason was that Paul wanted to return to his roots and end his career as a Clippers player. In other words, next season is likely to be Paul's last dance. Paul, 40, entered the NBA in 2005 and will now usher in his 20th season in his career. Except for the lack of MVP and championship, Paul received almost all other honors.

Today, Paul was interviewed and answered topics about retirement. Paul said: "I haven't determined the specific retirement time yet, unless everything has been settled. Now I just want to focus on the present and try to enjoy every moment." It is not difficult to hear from Paul's words that he still loves and enjoys basketball. He should not have fully planned to retire. If the Clippers have the chance to win the championship this year but have a regretful defeat, it is not ruled out that Paul's retirement will be delayed in order to realize his dream of winning the championship before the end of his career. In this way, Paul fans will also have more time and opportunity to appreciate the heroic posture of their idols on the court.