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 need 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 dropping battle. He nonetheless has not recovered from offseason toe surgical procedure and injured his different toe final month. Taking that every one into consideration, one factor is evident concerning the Garland-Harden swap.
James Harden elevates the Cavs and their playoff ceiling this season
Harden presents 173 video games price of playoff expertise, is likely one of the greatest flooring generals within the NBA even at 36-years outdated, and he’s sturdy. He’s a strolling 20 factors per recreation and can even dish out ten assists as nicely.
Within the three video games he has performed for Cleveland, Harden’s affect has been felt. In opposition to 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 shall be a headache for any opposing crew.
Harden’s gravity has additionally opened the ground for the whole 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 is no such thing as a doubt that he has some inexplicable performances within the spring. Nonetheless, he additionally does have his fair proportion 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 also be taking part in subsequent to a dominant playoff performer in Mitchell, who will make his life simpler.Â
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 will give Cleveland that deep run they’ve been craving.
