The Los Angeles Clippers entered the new season with the oldest roster in NBA history, averaging 33.2 years of age. The team brought together several current and former stars, led by James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, along with the return of Chris Paul, who shares offensive duties with Bradley Beal when the main stars rest.

Ivica Zubac came into the year after his best season in the league and will once again be a vital piece, especially on defense. The Croatian center proved to be one of the best pick-and-roll players in the NBA, and his chemistry with Harden and Paul promises to be one of the team’s strongest assets.

Harden Points Out the Two Decisive Factors

With Norman Powell no longer on the roster after averaging 21.8 points per game last season, the Clippers will rely on Bogdan Bogdanovic to maintain scoring depth off the bench. On paper, head coach Tyronn Lue faces the challenge of integrating all the pieces, and Harden made it clear what he believes will determine whether they can win the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

He said that it is no secret he has already achieved everything individually, and that the goal now is the championship. According to him, every team claims to want to be champions, but only a few truly have that chance. He emphasized that two things matter most: being good and staying healthy, and added that the Clippers have both at the moment.

A Complete Roster Across all Positions

Age is the Clippers’ biggest obstacle. While the roster is loaded with talent, most players are past their physical peak, and injuries remain a major concern. Leonard said he had his best summer in years, but given his injury history, there are still doubts.

Even so, the Clippers appear balanced at every position, combining size, experience, and skill on both ends of the floor. John Collins and Brook Lopez bring new dimensions to Lue’s rotation. Collins provides energy, mobility, and inside presence, while Lopez remains one of the league’s top rim protectors and a center with exceptional shooting range.

When Zubac rests, Lopez can maintain defensive stability while spacing the floor on offense. Collins fits seamlessly alongside Harden and Paul, contributing with his energy in pick-and-roll actions and his ability to defend multiple positions.

While Leonard remains the primary scoring option, Harden will be the one orchestrating the offense, dictating pace, connecting with the big men, and creating opportunities for shooters. Though he no longer dominates like he did with the Houston Rockets, his experience and court vision may be the keys to leading the Clippers deep into the playoffs in a highly competitive Western Conference.

The Championship That Would Complete Harden’s Career

With the Oklahoma City Thunder looking as strong as last season, the Rockets adding Kevin Durant, the Denver Nuggets reloaded, and the Los Angeles Lakers led by Luka Doncic and LeBron James, the road to the title will not be easy.

If Harden manages to guide the oldest team in league history to a championship, that ring would be the crowning achievement of his career, even more valuable than his MVP award, his three scoring titles, two assist titles, and multiple All-Star appearances.