James Harden is already proving to be exactly what the Cleveland Cavaliers needed when they traded All-Star point guard Darius Garland for the 36-year-old future Hall of Famer. The Cavs have officially entered a win-now, championship-chasing phase with Harden on board. As a former MVP and 11-time All-Star, he has transformed the team from a young, promising squad into a serious contender in the Eastern Conference.
Since Harden's arrival, the Cavaliers boast a 4-0 record. While they haven’t faced the NBA’s elite outside of the Denver Nuggets, Harden has already showcased the leadership that Cleveland was craving.
Before joining the Cavs, Harden was putting up 25.4 points and 8.1 assists with the LA Clippers, helping them claw back into playoff contention. Now, he’s tasked with being the offensive catalyst within Cleveland’s system.
Darius Garland had been instrumental in the Cavs' recent success, setting up players like Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley with his precise passing. Harden needed to adapt to this movement-based offense.
Known for his high-usage, isolation style, Harden is capable of dismantling defenses on his own, though some critics questioned if this would fit with a team-oriented approach.
On defense, Harden offers an improvement over Garland, thanks to his size and ability to switch onto bigger players. However, his effort on defense has been inconsistent in the past. Trading a young star for a player with Harden’s history of team changes was certainly a bold move, but in just four games, Harden has started to put those concerns to rest.
Harden has been a team-first playmaker, eager to elevate his teammates. In his first three games with Cleveland, he recorded two double-doubles, showcasing his ability to contribute across the board.
After the All-Star break, Harden continued his strong play with 16 points, nine assists, five rebounds, and three steals against the Brooklyn Nets. His chemistry with Jarrett Allen and Jaylon Tyson is already evident, as he expertly navigates pick-and-roll plays.
Defensively, Harden has been active, making smart reads as a help defender. While he may not be the top choice for one-on-one defense, his rotations and help have been crucial for the Cavs' defensive schemes.
Harden's basketball IQ and shot selection have been game-changers. Against the Nets, he hit his first five shots, finishing six-of-eight from the field and three-of-five from beyond the arc. With Cleveland, Harden is shooting an impressive 42.1 percent from three-point range on 6.3 attempts per game.
He’s also embraced a more efficient role, taking fewer shots but making a bigger impact. Harden is averaging 11 shots per game with the Cavaliers, down from 17.5 with the Clippers. His ability to draw defenders away from the basket has opened up opportunities for teammates like Allen and cutters such as Tyson and Sam Merrill.
Harden’s usage rate has dropped to 22.9 percent, the lowest since his days with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Instead of dominating the ball, he’s using his presence to elevate his teammates, a shift that many feared wouldn’t happen.
Despite Harden’s postseason struggles in the past, his track record of never missing the playoffs in his 16-year career speaks volumes. With the Cavaliers, he’s set to extend that streak to 17 seasons.
The trade for Harden wasn’t without its risks, given his past playoff disappointments and the Cavs’ recent struggles. However, the early signs of the Harden era in Cleveland offer plenty of reasons for hope and excitement about what lies ahead.