The Cleveland Cavaliers could look better with James Harden as a prolific bench leader, but it cannot happen.
King James Gospel's Caleb Crowley argues that the Cleveland Cavaliers could benefit from moving James Harden to the bench, despite knowing the team will likely never make that decision. Head coach Kenny Atkinson frequently staggers Harden and Donovan Mitchell due to persistent defensive vulnerabilities when both guards share the court.
Data highlights a -6.6 net rating over 118 minutes when Mitchell and Harden share the floor, while Mitchell thrives alongside wings like Sam Merrill. Although Crowley notes benching Harden provides better on-paper balance, Harden's veteran status and offensive gravity keep him firmly entrenched in the starting lineup.
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