Tyronn Lue explained how the Clippers must adjust after trading James Harden, pointing to Kawhi Leonard as the main ball handler and leader.
Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue put the spotlight on Kawhi Leonard while addressing life after the James Harden trade.
Following a tough 124-91 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Lue spoke to the media and explained how the Clippers must adjust both mentally and on the court without Harden.
The coach admitted the move was not easy, especially because of Harden's presence inside the locker room.
"Yeah, I mean, it's tough," the coach explained. "You lose one of your guys in the locker room, especially, you know, one of your best players. And I just told our guys, we're gonna be OK. We're gonna be fine, you know. And with James gone, we got to play a different style of basketball. And our younger guys, they have to understand that they know how to do it. Like, they should never be holding the basketball. They always should be getting the next action, creating the action. There's only one guy who should be holding the ball is Kawhi."
Lue made it clear that Leonard will now carry even more responsibility. With Harden no longer running the offense, Kawhi becomes the main decision maker, especially late in possessions.
Harden was traded for Darius Garland, a move that shows Cleveland is serious about competing at the highest level. Reports say Harden and Donovan Mitchell have already spoken and are excited about playing together.
This season, Harden is averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 4.8 rebounds in 44 games. His production remains strong as he joins a Cavaliers team currently sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 31-21 record.
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