James Harden has just revived his defensive ability thanks to the timely appearance of John Collins

In the high-stakes world of the NBA, player fit and team defensive schemes can define the success or failure of even the most talented stars. For James Harden, his transition to the LA Clippers came with unexpected defensive challenges that threatened to limit his impact. Fortunately, the addition of John Collins has proven to be a game-changer. Simply put, John Collins saves James Harden from an uncomfortable spot on this Clippers roster, allowing Harden to maximize his skills without being overburdened by mismatches.

James Harden’s Defensive Struggles with the Clippers Last Season

James Harden is widely known for his offensive brilliance—his scoring, court vision, and playmaking are among the best the league has ever seen. But defense has often been the area that divides opinion on his overall value. While Harden is stronger and bigger than many point guards, his defensive limitations became apparent last season due to how Tyronn Lue deployed him.

Unlike many teams that employ traditional positional defense, the Clippers used a more flexible, switching-based scheme. This meant Harden was often tasked with guarding players bigger or more athletic than him, especially on rebounding assignments. One of the most glaring examples came during the playoffs against the Denver Nuggets. In Game 3, Harden was left trying to prevent Aaron Gordon from scoring on a crucial tip-in. Gordon, a more physically imposing and athletic power forward, easily outmaneuvered Harden for the dunk, swinging the momentum to Denver.

That moment was emblematic of the defensive issues facing Harden with the Clippers. At 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, Harden isn’t undersized for a guard, but he was placed in a role requiring strength and rebounding prowess against elite power forwards—an uncomfortable and inefficient use of his talents. This mismatch underscored the need for the Clippers to rethink their roster construction, especially on the defensive front.

Why John Collins Is the Perfect Complement to James Harden

Recognizing this issue, the Clippers took action by acquiring John Collins, a versatile power forward known for his rebounding ability and defensive presence. With an average of 8.1 rebounds per game over 472 career NBA games, Collins brings the physicality and athleticism needed to dominate the paint and protect the rim.

For James Harden, John Collins saves him from the uncomfortable defensive assignments that previously held him back. Collins can guard power forwards and centers, box out effectively, and secure rebounds, relieving Harden from needing to contest plays inside the paint. This allows Harden to concentrate on his strengths—perimeter defense, intercepting passes, and orchestrating offense.

By slotting Collins into the interior defensive role, the Clippers can preserve Harden’s energy and efficiency. Instead of scrambling under the basket against mismatched opponents, Harden can now engage in more suitable defensive matchups, improving the team’s overall defensive balance.

How This Move Enhances James Harden’s Defensive Game

Defense for James Harden is no longer about trying to be a big man on the court but about playing to his strengths as a guard. With John Collins anchoring the paint, Harden can focus on what he does best—pressure the ball, switch onto guards and wings, and anticipate passing lanes.

This is especially crucial in zone defenses like the Clippers’ 2-3 zone scheme. Harden’s quick hands and high basketball IQ allow him to disrupt opponents on the perimeter, while Collins guards the interior. This division of labor means Harden no longer faces the daunting task of battling elite rebounders or finishing big men in the post.

The result? Harden’s defensive effectiveness rises, not because he’s fundamentally changed, but because his role is now optimized. Harden has developed into a reliable defender when positioned properly, and Collins’ presence allows the Clippers to finally deploy Harden in those ideal spots.

Offensive Benefits for James Harden with John Collins on the Floor

Freeing Harden from the burden of interior defense also positively impacts his offensive performance. Harden is renowned for his playmaking, and when he isn’t drained by mismatches or extra defensive assignments, he can better orchestrate the Clippers’ offense.

With Collins setting solid screens and rolling to the basket, Harden benefits from improved pick-and-roll opportunities—one of his most lethal offensive weapons. Collins’ ability to space the floor and finish at the rim opens driving lanes for Harden, giving him more freedom to create shots or distribute.

Moreover, Harden’s stamina is preserved. Playoff basketball is physically grueling, and managing energy is vital. By eliminating the need to fight in uncomfortable positions on defense, Harden can sustain high-level offensive production late into games.

James Harden’s Leadership and Adaptability Strengthened by Collins’ Arrival

Throughout his career, James Harden has proven to be more than just a scorer; he is a floor general with a high basketball IQ. His ability to adapt to new roles and teammates has been impressive. However, his defensive liabilities when mismatched often put a ceiling on his overall impact.

Now, with John Collins saving him from the uncomfortable defensive spots, Harden can focus on leadership and decision-making without being hampered by physical mismatches. This not only boosts his confidence but also elevates the entire team’s defensive cohesion.

Harden’s experience and skill combined with Collins’ athleticism give the Clippers a balanced duo capable of controlling both ends of the floor.

The Clippers’ Defensive Identity with Harden and Collins

The addition of John Collins has reshaped the Clippers’ defensive identity around James Harden. No longer forced to defend power forwards or cover the paint, Harden can thrive in versatile defensive schemes that capitalize on his strengths.

This strategic balance increases the Clippers’ flexibility. They can switch between man-to-man and zone defenses without sacrificing Harden’s effectiveness. It also creates matchup nightmares for opponents—Clippers defenders can now assign roles that maximize individual skills.

In a league where adaptability and roster fit often determine playoff success, John Collins saves James Harden from uncomfortable spots and gives the Clippers a clear defensive advantage.

Conclusion: Why John Collins’ Presence Is Vital for James Harden and the Clippers

The NBA is a game of details and fit. Even the greatest talents like James Harden need the right environment to excel. The 2024 season showed that without proper support, Harden’s defensive role could become a liability rather than an asset for the Clippers.

However, John Collins saves James Harden from an uncomfortable spot on this Clippers roster, providing the physical and athletic support Harden needs. This move unlocks Harden’s full potential, both defensively and offensively, and positions the Clippers as a more balanced and competitive team.

As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on how this pairing flourishes. If harnessed correctly, James Harden and John Collins could be the cornerstone of a deep playoff run and a new era of success for the LA Clippers.