The 2024-25 NBA season has officially begun and the LA Clippers opened the year with a narrow loss to the Phoenix Suns at the Intuit Dome. James Harden’s efforts (29 points and eight assists) weren’t enough to secure the win, and the Suns managed to escape with an overtime victory.

It’s still very early for definitive answers, so we can only speculate about the team’s future, especially with Kawhi Leonard not in the lineup yet. However, with expectations of playoff success and championship contention, the stakes are higher than ever. As the Clippers look to fulfill their winning ambitions, here are two bold predictions for the current season.

During his time in Houston, James Harden was a generational scorer and franchise player. There is no doubt that his scoring ability has diminished over the years and he is no longer the offensive threat he once was. However, an older, more mature Harden still has a lot to offer a team’s offense, especially given his elite playmaking abilities that have only gotten better over the years.

The Clippers have plenty of talented scorers who can create their own shots, as well as three-point specialists who can really benefit from Harden’s ability to distribute the ball. Expect him to average around 20-25 points and lead the league in assists. Harden will be one of the best point guards in the league while also securing his 11th All-Star appearance.

Kevin Porter Jr. was largely forgotten by NBA fans after being out of the league for an entire year. Porter didn’t play basketball for about six months because he was busy with personal matters before returning to Greek club PAOK Thessaloniki, where he averaged 22 points and seven assists in six games and recorded a triple-double in one contest. He signed with the Clippers on July 10 and played a lot of minutes in the preseason, a sign that the team will be counting on him this year.

Expect KPJ to emerge as the league’s rising star while showcasing his shooting and defensive abilities. With the experienced guidance this team provides, the young guard can find a consistent role and elevate the Clippers’ offense while proving himself as one of the best perimeter defenders in the league.

Expect him to average career highs in points and assists, establishing himself as a key factor in the team’s success. In the best case scenario, he could even be a candidate for Sixth Man of the Year.