The Los Angeles Clippers are generating significant buzz as championship contenders ahead of the new season, bolstered by the addition of veterans like Chris Paul and Bradley Beal. However, a new report has surfaced that casts a shadow over the team’s preparations, focusing on the conditioning of one of their primary stars. According to insiders, there are growing concerns about James Harden’s physical readiness for the campaign.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported a specific concern circulating among team scouts, stating, “That’s one of the things that the scouts have said is that Harden has been in better shape at this point.” He further elaborated on the issue, noting, “James Harden is actually not even in that great of shape.” This assessment comes after a preseason where Harden’s performance was subdued, averaging only 6.0 points on 36.8 percent shooting across three starts.

This is not the first time questions about Harden’s conditioning have arisen early in a season. Two years ago, the guard acknowledged he was playing himself into “James Harden shape” following a standoff with the Philadelphia 76ers that disrupted his offseason routine.

Despite that slow start, he ultimately appeared in 72 games and posted solid numbers for the Clippers last season. Posting 16.6 points on 38.1 percent from three and handing out 8.5 assists per contest.

The 36-year-old guard’s résumé is decorated with a 2017-18 MVP award, three scoring titles, two assist titles, eight All-NBA selections and 11 All-Star nods, yet the championship ring remains elusive.

This offseason Harden declined his player option and inked a two-year, $81.5 million deal with Los Angeles, set to earn $39.2 million this season with a $42.3 million option next year.

The team’s depth, particularly with Chris Paul now on the roster, provides a safety net if Harden requires a longer ramp-up period. The Clippers begin their regular season on October 22 against the Utah Jazz.

But in an unfortunate turn of events, the Los Angeles Clippers enter the new season surrounded by significant uncertainty, particularly regarding their star player Kawhi Leonard.

The Kawhi Leonard situation

The team is currently under NBA investigation for alleged salary cap circumvention related to Leonard’s 2019 signing, adding to the existing questions about his availability. With the season approaching, clarity on Leonard’s playing schedule remains elusive.

Clippers head coach Ty Lue addressed the ongoing question about Leonard’s participation in back-to-back games this season.

When asked directly about the plan, Lue provided a cryptic response, stating, “We’re not going to answer that right now. It’s a good question, but we don’t know right now.” This non-committal answer continues the team’s long-standing cautious approach with their star forward’s workload.

Leonard has played in only 56.1 percent of regular season games since joining the Clippers in 2019. The team has historically been strategic about resting him, particularly on the second night of back-to-back sets.

The NBA has not announced any penalties regarding the ongoing investigation into Leonard’s endorsement deal with the now-bankrupt company Aspiration. The Clippers’ first back-to-back games will occur on November 3rd and 4th.