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:
James Harden had a great performance in the Philadelphia 76ers' Game 1 playoff win. However, Stephen A. Smith had to troll The Beard about his questionable pregame decision.
Doc Rivers isn't helping 76ers fans feel too confident about a lengthy playoff run.
James Harden claims that he's not feeling the heat ahead of the playoffs, but that very statement can put even more weight on his shoulders.
James Harden has recently had some ugly performances, and he is now dangerously close to becoming Joel Embiid's worst nightmare and the Philadelphia 76ers' biggest mistake.
Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden is no longer the player he was a couple of seasons ago on the Houston Rockets, and Jalen Rose recently exposed his downward trajectory.
Kevin Durant took the Nets' recent matchup against James Harden and the 76ers personally.
Kendrick Perkins doesn't think James Harden is a good fit with the 76ers.
Doc Rivers didn't hesitate to throw James Harden under the bus after the 76ers' recent loss.
James Harden isn't the player he used to be on the Houston Rockets. In fact, the Philadelphia 76ers star has a deteriorating skill that’s reportedly the NBA's “worst kept” secret.
James Harden is convinced Joel Embiid deserves to win the MVP award this season.
