NBA Notes: Clippers, James Harden, Suns, Oso Ighodaro, Warriors

Clippers

James Harden added another milestone Monday, becoming the NBA’s ninth all-time leading scorer by passing Shaquille O’Neal’s career total of 28,596 points.

“It’s a true honor,” Harden said, via The Associated Press. “Somebody that I literally grew up watching here in L.A. Him and Kobe doing their thing, winning championships. It’s a testament to the work I’ve put in.”

Harden continues to climb the list while still playing a central role for a Clippers team pushing toward the postseason.

Suns

Second-year big man Oso Ighodaro is carving out a meaningful role in Phoenix’s rotation.

Spencer Davies of R.org notes the Suns have posted a plus-7.5 net rating with Ighodaro on the floor this season, compared to minus-1.2 when he sits. Coach Jordan Ott has praised Ighodaro’s versatility and ability to connect lineups.

“I’m definitely being asked to do a little bit more this year,” Ighodaro told Davies. “Trying to maintain the same level of play and intensity.”

The production has followed.

Warriors

Roster concerns continue to hover over Golden State.

Following Sunday’s loss to Atlanta, Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area described the Warriors as “profoundly defective,” pointing to a lack of length and athleticism.

Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area also questioned whether coach Steve Kerr should remain committed to a starting lineup featuring Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, Moses Moody and Quinten Post.

That group has started 13 of the past 14 games and owns a minus-3.3 net rating this season. As the deadline nears, questions about fit are only getting louder.