James Harden
While the cliche may say that defense wins championships, there's something to be said for a player who can put the ball in the basket. On the offensive side, few are better than James Harden.
After hitting the hardwood at Arizona State, the guard entered the 2009 NBA Draft and joined the Oklahoma City Thunder as the third overall pick. Playing alongside Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, Harden quickly proved a legitimate contributor at the professional level. After a 2012 trade, though, he stepped even further into the limelight.
With the Rockets, Harden emerged as an explosive scorer capable of putting the team on his back. While an MVP crown and scoring titles followed, things didn't end happily in Texas. Houston never made it over the hump, and in 2021, the bearded guard joined the Brooklyn Nets via trade.
Although Harden's first season in New York ended in postseason disappointment, there's no doubting his individual skill. No player averages 25 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game across 12+ professional seasons by accident.
- Current team: Brooklyn Nets
- Former teams: Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets
- Position: Guard
- Drafted: No. 3 overall in 2009 by the Oklahoma City Thunder
- Shooting hand: Left
- Nicknames: The Beard
Read the latest about James Harden's playing career and history:
Shaquille O'Neal hasn't forgotten about people comparing James Harden and Joel Embiid to him and Kobe Bryant.
Should the 76ers offer James Harden a historic contract extension this offseason?
If you've wondered what's gone wrong with James Harden in Philadelphia, a single play on Thursday night provided a perfect explanation.
Answering questions from the fans ahead of the 76ers' do-or-die Game 6 against the Heat.
The all-time NBA greats level up in the postseason. James Harden levels down.
Ben Simmons could never have replicated James Harden's Game 4 performance against the Heat.
Charles Barkley doesn't believe the 76ers should sign James Harden to an extension this summer.
James Harden needs to listen to Joel Embiid's advice about being more aggressive.
James Harden is no longer the player he used to be, and it is showing in the playoffs. In fact, Stephen A. Smith said the Philadelphia 76ers star is “done.”
Shaquille O'Neal doesn't want people comparing the duo of Joel Embiid and James Harden to him and Kobe Bryant.
