James Harden’s recent trade from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Los Angeles Clippers marked the third reunion of Harden and Russell Westbrook, former teammates on the SuperSonics (now Thunder) and Houston Rockets.
However, PJ Tucker, who also made the move to the Clippers alongside Harden, believes that this new situation presents a different dynamic compared to their time in Houston.
In their previous stint together with the Rockets during the 2019-20 season, Harden and Westbrook, despite their undeniable talent, only managed to reach the second round of the postseason.
Their playoff journey came to an end in a five-game series against the Los Angeles Lakers in the Orlando, Florida, bubble. Following that season, Westbrook was traded to the Washington Wizards.
Tucker, who was a part of that Houston team alongside Westbrook and Harden, acknowledges the long-standing friendship and familiarity between the two guards. They have known each other for years and have shared the court before, building a strong understanding of each other’s playing styles.
However, in the current scenario with the Clippers, Tucker believes that the dynamic differs significantly. The presence of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George on the team adds a new layer to the dynamics, potentially altering the way Harden and Westbrook collaborate on the court.
“Russ and James [have known] each other for years, so they’re familiar with each other, playing with each other. I don’t know if it’s the same [experience this time], especially with Kawhi and PG,” Tucker said, per Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.
Tucker further added, “I think this team is kind of a totally different type of dynamic [for them].”
