Clippers' James Harden Reportedly Not In Shape

Clippers guard James Harden heads into the regular season with questions about his conditioning after scouts told ESPN’s Brian Windhorst he "is not even in that great of shape." Harden’s preseason line — 6.0 points on 36.8% shooting, 7.7 assists across three starts — underscores the concern. At 36, his fitness will shape minutes, load management and Los Angeles’ title window. Merlin sees a familiar pattern: Harden once joked about playing himself into "James Harden shape," and he’s found form after slow starts before. The Clippers have depth — Chris Paul, Bradley Beal, Kriss Dunn — to carry the backcourt early, but the team’s ceiling still hinges on Harden rediscovering his rhythm.