James Harden’s Performance Has Declined Sharply, Clippers May Lose Superstar Next Season

The Los Angeles Clippers superstar James Harden is one of the most electrifying players in the NBA, but as he prepares for his 17th season at age 36, many experts are predicting a major fall-off in his performance. Harden’s prolific career has been marked by incredible scoring, elite playmaking, and multiple All-Star and MVP honors. However, the physical toll of a long NBA career combined with his age suggests that the upcoming season may present new challenges.

James Harden’s Career Trajectory and Recent Performance

Harden’s career began with the Oklahoma City Thunder and truly skyrocketed after he was traded to the Houston Rockets. Known for his signature step-back three-pointer and ability to draw fouls, Harden has consistently ranked among the league’s best scorers. Over his career, he has been selected to numerous All-NBA teams and won the 2018 MVP award.

In recent years, however, injuries and missed games have become more frequent. This is common among aging NBA veterans who have logged heavy minutes throughout their careers. Despite these challenges, Harden experienced a resurgence in the 2023-24 season, appearing in 79 regular-season games for the Clippers. His averages of 22.8 points, 8.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game earned him a spot on the All-Star team and the All-NBA Third Team. He also finished 10th in MVP voting, showing that he can still perform at an elite level.

Why Analysts Are Predicting a Decline

Despite Harden’s strong recent season, several signs point to a possible decline in his production during the 2025-26 campaign:

• Harden’s field-goal percentage dropped to 41.0% last season, a notable decrease from his peak years. This signals a loss in shooting efficiency, which is critical for a player whose offense relies heavily on scoring.

• His turnover rate increased sharply, reflecting potential lapses in decision-making or physical sharpness. High turnovers can disrupt offensive flow and reduce a player’s overall effectiveness.

• Harden’s defense has become less mobile, a major concern in today’s NBA where versatility and quickness on defense are key. Opponents often exploit slower defenders, which can cost a team crucial possessions.

These issues combined with Harden’s age place him at risk of seeing a notable drop in his scoring, playmaking, and overall impact.

The Impact of Age on Harden’s Playing Style

At 36, Harden is well into the stage of an NBA career where physical decline is inevitable. While his game relies more on skill and finesse than pure athleticism, certain aspects like speed, lateral quickness, and stamina do tend to wane with age.

Furthermore, Harden’s style has never been characterized by elite conditioning or defense. As Grant Hughes from Bleacher Report pointed out, Harden’s career “hasn’t exactly been defined by an emphasis on conditioning.” This reality means that maintaining peak performance over a grueling 82-game season plus playoffs is increasingly difficult.

Age-related decline often manifests in:

• Reduced minutes played per game, as teams manage veteran players’ workload.

• Lower shooting percentages, especially from contested spots or beyond the arc.

• Less defensive effectiveness, making it harder to contain quicker guards or wings.

• Increased susceptibility to injuries, leading to missed games.

Contract Situation: Flexibility Amid Uncertainty

In the summer prior to the 2025-26 season, Harden declined his $36.3 million player option and instead signed a two-year, $81.5 million deal with the Clippers. This move signaled mutual commitment but also included safeguards for both parties.

The contract’s second year features a player option and is only partially guaranteed, providing Harden the choice to opt-out and the Clippers a potential exit if performance declines drastically.

Clippers’ general manager Lawerence Frank praised Harden’s “consistency and dependability” as both a scorer and playmaker. However, the flexible contract terms acknowledge the risks inherent in Harden’s age and recent injury history.

Clippers’ Team Dynamics and Harden’s Role

The Clippers have built a roster around stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, with Harden expected to serve as a primary playmaker and secondary scorer. His ability to create for others and himself remains valuable, but the team also needs to manage his minutes and defensive liabilities.

The Clippers have added versatile players who can fill gaps defensively, allowing Harden to focus more on his strengths. However, if Harden’s production falls off sharply, the team’s offensive rhythm could suffer.

Managing Harden’s role will be crucial to balancing offensive firepower and defensive stability as the Clippers aim for deep playoff success in a competitive Western Conference.

Can Harden Defy Father Time?

Historically, some players have extended their careers by adapting their games and focusing on conditioning:

• LeBron James is an example of a star who has maintained elite levels deep into his 30s through relentless fitness and adjusting his playing style.

• Chris Paul has embraced a role that balances leadership with careful minutes management to sustain performance.

• Carmelo Anthony transitioned to a bench role to prolong his career impact.

Harden’s ability to adjust his game—improving conditioning, sharpening shooting efficiency, and limiting turnovers—will determine whether he can stay effective.

If Harden improves his three-point shooting and continues to create for teammates, he could still be a difference-maker. However, given the physical demands and recent trends, expecting another All-NBA level season might be optimistic.

What a Harden Decline Means for the Clippers

If Harden experiences a significant fall-off, the Clippers will need to:

• Rely more heavily on Kawhi Leonard and Paul George for scoring and playmaking.

• Utilize their younger and more athletic role players to cover defensive gaps.

• Adjust their offensive schemes to compensate for Harden’s reduced efficiency.

This scenario could shift the team’s dynamics, possibly limiting their ceiling or forcing a re-evaluation of their championship aspirations.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Season Ahead

The 2025-26 NBA season represents a pivotal chapter in James Harden’s storied career. At 36 years old and after nearly two decades in the league, Harden faces the challenges of aging, increased physical wear, and heightened expectations.

While Harden showed resilience and high-level play last season, the signs point to the possibility of a major fall-off in production. His efficiency, defense, and turnover issues raise concerns about whether he can sustain an All-Star caliber season.

For the Los Angeles Clippers, managing Harden’s minutes, role, and health will be critical. The team’s success may depend on how well they can balance Harden’s contributions with the demands of a grueling NBA season and the competitive Western Conference landscape.

Ultimately, whether Harden defies the odds or succumbs to the inevitable effects of Father Time will be a compelling storyline to watch for fans and analysts alike.