Los Angeles Clippers fans entered last season with enthusiasm, anticipating strong performances from Kawhi Leonard and new teammate James Harden. Their goal was a deep playoff run, fueled by the duo’s combined star power. Despite making the playoffs for a third straight year, the Clippers again fell short, unable to advance beyond the first round of the postseason.
As the new season nears, supporters remain hopeful that Leonard and Harden can finally meet the high expectations placed on them as a pair.
Unexpected Attention on Harden’s Offseason Appearance
James Harden caught the public’s eye on Saturday while training at the Clippers’ facility, not because of his basketball skills, but due to his noticeably heavier physique. In contrast to other NBA stars like Luka Doncic, who recently gained viral praise for his lean offseason transformation, Harden appeared to have gained weight instead. This sparked renewed concerns about his offseason dedication and readiness for the upcoming season.
Social Media Responds with Jokes and Criticism
The image of Harden’s considerably larger figure quickly spread across social media, prompting a mix of shock and humor among fans. Many offered blunt and comedic remarks about his condition, reflecting disappointment and surprise.
Looks like he ate his teammates,
one fan joked.
What? Bro lookin a lil pudgy,
another chimed in.
He took life serious over some ball,
a fan said.
Kendrick Perkins would look skinny next to Harden,
another fan quipped.
He gained all the weight Luka lost,
one user reacted.
He’s just like Paddy Pimblett at this point,
one user wrote.
Uncertainty Looms Over Harden’s Season Readiness
While fans debate Harden’s offseason conditioning, it remains unclear if the guard will return to peak physical form before the Clippers’ regular-season opener. His current state has added fresh uncertainty to the team’s prospects in a competitive Western Conference, where conditioning and stamina are critical.
How Harden responds to these criticisms and adjusts his preparation could significantly influence the Clippers’ chances of breaking through their recent playoff struggles.