Speedboat President: Harden will stay, and we will be better if we play more cards next year

Kawai Leonard completed his playoff journey in a healthy state for the first time since 2020, but he still failed to help the Los Angeles Speedboats go too far, losing to the Denver Nuggets in the first round. James Harden was once again in a slump in the tiebreak, but this did not shake the determination of Clippers Basketball Operations President Lawrence Frank.

"I absolutely believe in these two people," Frank said of Kat and Harden.

Leonard did not make his season debut until January this year, and he treated his recurrently inflamed right knee last summer. In his 37 regular season games, he averaged 21.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.

"He will reach another level next year." Frank said, "I think looking forward to next year, as Leonard can play more games, we can definitely get better." During Leonard's quit, the 35-year-old James Harden was carrying the team. He missed only two games in the regular season, averaging 35 minutes per game, scoring 22.8 points, 8.7 assists and 5.8 rebounds. The Speedboat initially got Harden in hopes that he would deliver ammunition to the wing combination of Kat and Paul George, Jr., but with George leaving the team last summer, Harden had to take on a heavier offensive task. But in the playoffs, Harden performed mediocrely in key G5 and G7, among which he made 2 of 8 shots in the game and scored only 7 points and 13 assists.

"Our players are ashamed of their performance in the tiebreak, and they are very, very upset about losing the series," Frank revealed.

Next season, Harden has the player option, and he will be at least 36 years old. Frank said he hadn't imagined Harden wouldn't stay. "We are amazed at what Harden has done this year. If Harden jumps out of the player option for next season, my plan is to reach a new contract for both Harden and the Clippers."

In addition, veteran Batum also has the player option for next season. He played in 78 regular season games this season, with a three-point shooting percentage of 43%. "Yes, 1000%, we hope Batum stays, too," Frank said.

This summer, Clippers executives' plan is to supplement frontcourt players and another offensive initiator through free agent markets or trading markets to help them win 50-55 games in the regular season next season. "We're healthy for the first time in a long time, which is great, but it doesn't mean we only have one chance. We'll keep working, and keep an open mind, learn lessons and see where we can do better," Frank said.

(text/Thai Fu)