The Clippers are now 4-7 since trading for Harden, or 0-1 in his “ready” state.
Memes aside, he was okay this game, but okay isn’t good enough when you’re with a fully healthy Clippers vs a Reggie Jackson-led Nuggets.
Harden isn’t exactly playing terribly as a Clippers, but at this point in his career, it’s hard to justify an offence-first player on a team as offensively stacked as the Clippers when they’re in desperate need of some more off-ball movement.
Harden is looking to secure a max extension, we’ll have to see what kind of contract he can muster as he gets more into game shape as the season progresses.
Father Time is undefeated, and even 2 years ago Harden was past his physical prime.
Maxey had nowhere to go but up.
OP wasn’t even suggesting that Maxey would definitely be better, just that it was entirely possible. And, of course it was.