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 might not be the most popular man in basketball, but the Philadelphia 76ers guard isn't too concerned about his critics.
Joel Embiid had a different superstar on his wish list before the 76ers traded for James Harden.
James Harden incredibly made more three-pointers in his 76ers debut than Ben Simmons has made in his career.
James Harden's scoring touch may get most of the headlines, but pay attention to his passing when he makes his 76ers debut.
Commissioner Adam Silver is worried about the precedent of forcing deals early in long-term contract, the way Ben Simmons just did to get out of Philadelphia.
James Harden won't wear No. 13 with the Philadelphia 76ers, the first time in his 13-year NBA career he's abandoned the digits.
Philadelphia 76ers fans will have to wait longer than they expected to see James Harden make his debut.
James Harden has long been viewed as the most productive isolation scorer in the NBA. Is that still the case amid a tumultuous season for the bearded guard, or has someone taken his throne?
James Harden missed games with the Brooklyn Nets due to a hamstring injury, but Tracy McGrady thinks he faked it in order to land with the Philadelphia 76ers.
James Harden didn't seem happy on the Nets, and that's likely because he wanted to play for the 76ers all along.
