Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue addressed the blockbuster trade that sent James Harden to Cleveland in exchange for Darius Garland during the postgame press conference at Intuit Dome on Wednesday.
“Everyone knows James was great for us, you know, his ability to make guys better, his ability to play every night, his ability to score the basketball,” Lue said. “He was a really great guy. Everyone loved him, the organization, the players, and he was a rock star.”
Lue emphasized the excitement of adding Garland to the roster, describing him as a dynamic point guard with speed and scoring versatility. “Just his pace, his speed, his ability to play the floor differently, get off screens, be able to run the pick-and-roll,” Lue said. “He’s a three-level scorer. He can get to the rim, has a great floater, a pull-up shot and shoots the three. Just having a younger, two-time All-Star that I can teach and mold is going to be fun.”
The coach noted that Garland’s style allows the Clippers to transition from a Harden-centric offense to a faster, more motion-based system. “James was such a big part of the way we played offensively. Now we have to do some things differently. Darius is more of a pick-and-roll player, a pace player, and offensively it will be different,” Lue said.
Lue reflected on Harden’s impact and character, adding that conversations with him were positive. “He wanted to thank me. He said I was one of the best coaches he played for, I loved the situation, the front office, the medical staff, the players, the coaches. We opened our arms and let him be himself.”
The coach also discussed how Garland could integrate alongside Kawhi Leonard, John Collins and Kris Dunn. “We’ll have to see how it plays out, who’s healthy, who’s playing well. Darius is catching on very quickly, so we’ll see how things fit, but more movement, more actions, simplified sets,” Lue said.
When asked about Garland’s offensive ceiling, Lue was clear. “No ceiling offensively. I imagine using him like we used Kyrie in Cleveland, giving him freedom, letting him play openly, and it’s exciting for our team.”
The Clippers struggled in their first game after the trade, falling 124-89 to the Cleveland Cavaliers, who led with Donovan Mitchell’s 29 points. Lue acknowledged the unusual circumstances of a trade that immediately impacted a game, but remained optimistic about the roster’s potential. “It feels weird, but DG didn’t have to travel, and neither did James. We have a two-time All-Star who can play, and it worked for both parties,” he said.
The Clippers (23-26) now look ahead to Friday’s game against the Sacramento Kings, with Garland expected to suit up under Lue’s system and contribute once he is completely free of injury.
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