The Los Angeles Clippers, originally considered a clear-cut contender in the NBA, have started the 2023 season on a sour note. With only three wins and seven losses, they are visibly struggling to keep up in the early stages of the season. The Clippers’ recent acquisition of James Harden was expected to elevate their game and solidify their chances of championship contention, but things have not gone according to plan.
Renowned NBA analyst and former player Charles Barkley recently shared his insights on the Clippers’ plight during a panel discussion on TNT’s Inside the NBA. Barkley expressed his disappointment at the team’s performance, emphasizing the need for players to step up their game.
Charles Barkley on Clippers’ recent struggles
The Los Angeles Clippers have had a disappointing start to the 2023 NBA season, recording only three wins and seven losses. Since trading for James Harden, their performance has only worsened. The Clippers are currently on a five-game losing streak (0-4 with Harden in the lineup) and are finding it challenging to create effective offensive plays despite having four-star players sharing the court.
The primary obstacle in blending their new quartet has been the fact that three of their stars, including Harden himself, prefer to operate with the ball in their hands. This has resulted in stagnant offense and a lack of rhythm. Ty Lue, the Clippers’ head coach, has acknowledged the need to play through Harden more, but this could potentially disrupt the flow of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
On Tuesday night, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal discussed the Clippers’ issues on the court. Barkley expressed that the team has four talented players who all require the ball to perform at their best, remarking, “You’ve got four guys who are great players, who all need the ball, [but] there’s only one ball.”
It is becoming increasingly evident that a necessary adjustment needs to be made, and Barkley proposed the idea of moving one of their stars to the bench. This suggestion was supported by an incident during a recent game, where Russell Westbrook voiced his frustration when substituted for Harden. The situation demanded a strategic decision to optimize the team’s performance moving forward.
If the Clippers want to turn their season around and establish a winning rhythm, they must address this concern sooner rather than later. It’s high time for someone to step up and prioritize team success over personal glory and only then can the Clippers hope to maximize their potential and become a formidable force in the league.
Shaquille O’Neal Disagrees With Co-Host’s Clippers Analysis
In the wake of the blockbuster James Harden trade, the Los Angeles Clippers have found themselves in the midst of a struggle to find their stride. Former NBA star Charles Barkley recently shared his thoughts on the matter, highlighting the need for someone to step up from the bench.
“Somebody’s got to come off the bench,” Barkley stated in a recent interview. With the addition of Harden, the Clips now boast four talented players who all thrive with the ball in their hands. However, this creates a challenge in distributing the ball effectively. Barkley emphasized that this dilemma is not as complex as it may seem, saying, “You’ve got four guys who are great players, who all need the ball, [but] there’s only one ball. This ain’t brain surgery.”
Interestingly, Barkley’s co-host, Shaquille O’Neal, did not entirely agree with his analysis. Shaq chimed in, suggesting that the Clippers’ situation might require a different approach. While Barkley focused on the need for someone to sacrifice their role and contribute from the bench, Shaq hinted at alternative strategies.
As the Clippers continue to navigate their way through this challenging period, it remains to be seen how they will find a balance with their talented roster. Time will tell whether Barkley’s perspective or Shaq’s differing opinion will resonate with the Clippers’ coaching staff and players.
