The Cleveland Cavaliers pulled off one of many extra stunning trades of the commerce deadline after they swapped All-Star level guard Darius Garland for future corridor of famer guard James Harden.
This comes after years of Garland in commerce rumors and Cleveland refusing to maneuver him or the opposite members of their core. In any case, Garland was a homegrown star for the Cavs, had been named an All-Star twice, and had all the time expressed a want to stay in Cleveland.
There have been components out of his management although. Garland has by no means been wholesome for a Cavs playoff run and given the truth that Cleveland desperately wants a deep playoff run, counting on Garland’s well being was a shedding battle. He nonetheless has not recovered from offseason toe surgical procedure and injured his different toe final month. Taking that each one into consideration, one factor is obvious in regards to the Garland-Harden swap.
James Harden elevates the Cavs and their playoff ceiling this season
Harden presents 173 video games value of playoff expertise, is without doubt one of the greatest ground generals within the NBA even at 36-years previous, and he’s sturdy. He’s a strolling 20 factors per recreation and also can dish out ten assists as properly.
Within the three video games he has performed for Cleveland, Harden’s affect has been felt. Towards Sacramento and Denver, he teamed up with Donovan Mitchell within the fourth quarter to shut out each video games. Having these two as a duo within the clutch will likely be a headache for any opposing crew.
Harden’s gravity has additionally opened the ground for the complete offense. He instructions a lot consideration coming off ball screens, oftentimes drawing two defenders. With that comes four-on-three benefits in favor of the Cavs and that will get the protection in rotation. Cleveland’s power is their ball motion and having Harden solely amplifies that power.
Harden does have his well-documented playoff struggles. There isn’t a doubt that he has some inexplicable performances within the spring. Nonetheless, he additionally does have his justifiable share of nice video games. He has been in a position to keep his 20 PPG common and all the time sits round seven or eight assists per recreation, marks that may be much better than Garland’s. Harden can be taking part in subsequent to a dominant playoff performer in Mitchell, who will make his life simpler.
The Cavs sensed that the East was wide-open and knew that they needed to take benefit. Having Harden within the fold elevates their playoff ceiling and may give Cleveland that deep run they’ve been craving.
