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$2 Billion Rich Massive Project Could Serve as Saving Grace for James Harden & Co, Claims Bulls’ Legend

Published 01/30/2024, 8:43 AM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

The Los Angeles Clippers, originally known as the Buffalo Braves, came to the NBA in 1970. During the 53-year existence of the team, the Clippers have never had the ultimate honor of lifting an NBA championship. To say that they have not been close is an understatement, as the team made its one and only conference finals appearance just two years ago. But according to former NBA player John Salley, their championship drought might be coming to an end soon. But it is not because of the addition of James Harden to the team.

The little brothers in Los Angeles decided it was time to finally move out of the shadows of the all-mighty Lakers. With the new $2 billion Intuit Dome set to open for the Clippers next season, this Detroit Pistons legend calls for history to repeat itself.

It is not every day that the owners of a team decide to build a new arena. However, Steve Balmer’s passion for sports has pushed him to build the Clippers a house of their own. But this might just bring luck to the team, as there is a history of teams with new arenas winning the championship.

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Man, I would love for the Clippers to win a championship. This is a trip. So the first year we opened the Palace (The Palace of Auburn Hills) in 1988-89, Pistons won the championship. In 1999–00, it was the first year of the Staple center. Lakers won the championship. I think that’s what has to happen. I think next year, when they open their arena, they will have it more in place,” said the 4x champion during a recent interview with VladTV.

 

John Salley believes that the 2025 season will be the time for James Harden and Paul George to win their first championship. Salley has won four championships during his time in the NBA. And two of them were right after moving into a new arena. So, he understands that there is a real chance that it can come true, as he himself has experienced it twice in his career. But only time will tell if James Harden can lead his team to the promised land with the rest of the squad.

Is this James Harden’s last chance to win a championship?

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James Harden will be 35 years old next season. The 10x All-Star has been a star in the NBA for over a decade; however, in recent years, his production has dropped significantly.

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With failed tenures in both Brooklyn and with the Philadelphia 76ers, the Clippers might be one of his last chances at title contention. Harden currently averages 17 points and 8 assists with the Clippers. If the team continues on its current trajectory, there are high chances of the team making a deep playoff run.

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However, with Harden’s contract set to end by the end of the 2023–24 season, only time will tell if he will be on the team next season. What do you think of the Clippers’ chances of winning the championship next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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Written by:

Rijin Varghese

687Articles

One take at a time

I did not follow the traditional route to become a journalist, but my love for basketball and writing has brought me here. Seeing LeBron James? Cleveland Cavaliers make the iconic comeback from a 1-3 deficit in 2016 changed everything for a young engineering aspirant within me. Rather than simply looking at the game, I love to analyze how each player contributes to a team using BPM (Box Plus Minus) and other advanced metrics.
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Edited by:

Caroline Joseph