It's been about a month and a half since James Harden donned a Cleveland Cavaliers jersey, and the early returns are promising.
The Cavs kicked off Harden's tenure with a bang, winning their first five games with him in the lineup. However, a broken finger has slowed the momentum slightly, with the team dropping four of their last nine games with Harden. Still, the Cavs boast a solid 10-4 record when he plays.
Harden's averaging 19.4 points, 7.7 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game, shooting an impressive .480/.436/.808. The three-point shot has been a major boost, though history suggests it might cool off; he hasn't shot over 40% from three for a full season since 2011-12.
Despite taking on a secondary role to Donovan Mitchell, Harden has been a catalyst for the offense. His usage rate is at 27.9%, the lowest since his stint with the Clippers alongside Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Yet, his impact remains significant.
Under head coach Kenny Atkinson, the Cavs have adjusted to a slower pace with Harden, but intriguingly, they speed up when he's on the court. Atkinson's system thrives on movement, contrasting with Harden's typical isolation style. The Cavs have found a sweet spot, incorporating off-ball movement that highlights Harden's exceptional passing skills.
The Cavs are scoring 122.7 points per 100 possessions with Harden on the floor, placing them in the 94th percentile for offensive ratings. This reflects not just Harden's individual performance but his buy-in to the team's philosophy.
Harden and Mitchell have formed a dynamic duo, allowing the latter to maintain his scoring prowess while Harden adapts around him. Together, they've achieved a 128.8 offensive rating, outscoring opponents by 11.3 points per 100 possessions.
Harden's partnership with Jarrett Allen has also flourished, particularly in the pick-and-roll game, resulting in a 124.2 offensive rating and a +8.5 net rating.
However, the chemistry with Evan Mobley is still a work in progress. Their pick-and-roll hasn't quite clicked, yet the numbers remain strong, with a 122.1 offensive rating and a +9.1 net rating.
Despite the offensive success, there are areas for improvement. Lineups without Mitchell haven't been as effective, and finding the right bench combinations remains a challenge. These lineups have only managed to outscore opponents by 1.6 points per 100 possessions.
Defensively, Harden's presence has been less favorable. Opponents score 4.7 more points per 100 possessions when he's on the court, highlighting issues at the point of attack. The Cavs have tried various defensive schemes, including a 3-2 zone, but haven't found a consistent solution.
The defense has struggled without both Mobley and Allen, although when all three share the floor, the Cavs have posted an exceptional 95.4 defensive rating. The challenge is maintaining this level with only one big on the court.
While Harden isn't likely to transform into a defensive stalwart in his 17th season, finding ways to mitigate these issues is crucial as the playoffs loom.
Overall, Harden's integration with the Cavs has been positive. He was brought in to elevate their championship prospects, and early signs suggest they're on the right path, even as he battles through a broken finger.