The James Harden Trade
The first few weeks of the 2023-24 NBA season are in the books, and a blockbuster trade has already been made. On Oct. 30, NBA fans across the globe woke up to a notification that might reshape the state of the western conference and the league as a whole: James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers.
After many seasons of disappointment for the Clippers, it was clear that picking up a dominant playmaker was a move they needed to make. In exchange for Harden and Tucker, L.A. shipped off a package including Nicolas Batum, Robert Covington, KJ Martin, Marcus Morris, and multiple future first round picks.
Harden, who recently made his 3rd trade request in three seasons, sat out of the Philadelphia 76ers first few games of the season. The 34-year-old former MVP had trouble finding a landing spot, as it turns out many NBA teams are hesitant at acquiring a player who seems to be unhappy with whatever team he’s on. Still, he will be a big piece for a Clippers team that has been in desperate need of a star to place alongside Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. If the Clippers can somehow manage to stay healthy as the season continues, their new starting lineup can easily lead them to the top of the western conference.
For the 76ers, this trade was merely to gain expiring contracts and future picks to package together for a different star; and it was likely the only move they could make. After yet another 2nd round exit in the playoffs last year, tensions were high between Harden and GM Daryl Morey. This sixers team would not be able to compete with the juggernauts of the eastern conference in Boston and Milwaukee, even with the reigning MVP; or so we thought.
13 games into the season, the 76ers are game away from the best record in the Eastern conference at 10-3. Shipping Harden off to LA has given Tyrese Maxey complete control over this Philadelphia backcourt, and he has proven to be more than enough to fill both the scoring and playmaking void left by the trade.
Also, the addition of Kelly Oubre Jr. and his improved efficiency has been a big reason why the Maxey-Embiid pick and roll attack has been so dominant. Teams’ may be regretting not picking up the 27 year old wing, who is playing like one of the more underrated pickups of the offseason.
In-Season Tournament
This year, the NBA season became the first in history to have the new in-season tournament, where teams compete in division matches and eventually a bracket that still counts towards their record. Fans were skeptical about the execution of the tournament, but it has so far proven to be a much needed spark in an increasingly less important regular season.
The bracket part of the tournament will be the deciding factor in the success of the newly implemented format. At its best, teams will use it as an opportunity to see how they matchup against their competitors. At its worst, the players will view it as normal games, where load management will prevail.
Eastern Conference Powerhouses
The two biggest trades in the offseason both ended up in star players heading to new heights out East: Damian Lillard to the Bucks, and Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis to the Celtics. As it stands, these two teams should be fighting for the top spot in the conference throughout the season.
Dame dropped 39 points in his debut with the bucks, and has been inconsistent through the team’s fourteen games. Still, his presence opens up the paint for Giannis Antetokounmpo to finish at an elite level. The Bucks now have another player to trust in the playoffs, allowing them to look to a perimeter scorer in the clutch instead of Antetokounmpo.
Even with Milwaukee’s superstar acquisition, the Celtics are playing like the team to beat in the East, with Porzingis and Holiday proving to be two key moves in the franchise’s quest to their 18th banner.
Boston let go of Marcus Smart in the offseason, whose defensive toughness and leadership was the team’s identity. Jrue Holiday is the perfect replacement, as he brings high level playmaking and scoring along with all around defensive dominance.
Along with Holiday in the Celtics offseason acquisition was the 7 ‘2 Porzingis, who has been one of the most important pieces in their1start. You can’t shoot over him, but he can shoot over you. His 2 blocks per game has shut down the paint at TD Garden, and his efficiency from the mid range and on is refreshing to see from a big man.
Though it’s still early in the season, there seems to be a consensus top 3 teams in the Eastern Conference.
