Offensive Game
One of the most prolific scorers in NBA history — his step-back three, elite foul-drawing, and advanced shot creation produced six scoring titles and the 2018 MVP season at 36.1 PPG, the highest average since Michael Jordan in 1987.
Career Journey
Oklahoma City Thunder
2009-2012
James Harden is a scoring guard whose value comes from shot creation and off-ball movement with the Houston Rockets. His career is anchored by #3 all-time three-point leader — Third on the all-time three-point list with 2,900+ career threes..
Career highlights include: NBA Most Valuable Player — Won MVP in 2017-18 with the Houston Rockets, averaging 30.4 ppg.; 3x NBA Scoring Champion — Led the league in scoring 3 consecutive times (2018, 2019, 2020). Averaged 36.1 ppg in 2018-19.; #3 All-Time Three-Point Leader — Third on the all-time three-point list with 2,900+ career threes..
James Harden attended Arizona State University.
Offensive Game
One of the most prolific scorers in NBA history — his step-back three, elite foul-drawing, and advanced shot creation produced six scoring titles and the 2018 MVP season at 36.1 PPG, the highest average since Michael Jordan in 1987.
Defensive Game
The most criticized aspect of his game — defensive engagement was frequently inconsistent, though his length and athleticism gave him the tools to defend at a higher level when properly motivated.
All articles
James Harden spent eight seasons as the face of the Houston Rockets — winning an MVP, eight All-Star selections, and transforming the franchise into a perennial contender. When his playing days end, the case for #13 hanging in the Toyota Center rafters will be one of the strongest in Rockets history.
Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets
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Houston Rockets
2012-2021
Brooklyn Nets
2021-2022
Philadelphia 76ers
2022-2023
Los Angeles Clippers
2023-2024
San Antonio Spurs
2024-present
Featured Achievements
#3 All-Time Three-Point Leader
2,900+ threes#3 All-Time
Third on the all-time three-point list with 2,900+ career threes.
NBA Most Valuable Player
1xWon MVP in 2017-18 with the Houston Rockets, averaging 30.4 ppg.
2017-18
3x NBA Scoring Champion
3xLed the league in scoring 3 consecutive times (2018, 2019, 2020). Averaged 36.1 ppg in 2018-19.
36.1 PPG Season
36.1 ppgAveraged 36.1 ppg in 2018-19 — the highest season average since Michael Jordan.
2018-19
10x NBA All-Star
10xIntangibles
One of the most sophisticated offensive minds in the history of the position — his understanding of defensive rotations, how to manufacture free throws, and how to architect entire offensive possessions was exceptional and historically unique.
Personal Life & Family
Status
Single
Parents & Siblings
Off the Court
James Harden Foundation supporting education and youth sports in underserved communities
Hurricane Harvey relief efforts in Houston (2017)
Did You Know?
Harden's step-back three-pointer became the most analyzed and imitated individual offensive move of the 2010s — coaches at every level began teaching elements of his footwork and shot preparation to guards of all ages.
He averaged 36.1 points per game in the 2018-19 season — the highest scoring average since Michael Jordan's 37.1 in the 1986-87 season, a record that had stood for over 30 years.
Harden's beard is one of the most recognizable features in professional sports — he grew it during the Oklahoma City years and has maintained it as a personal trademark throughout his entire professional career.
His nine seasons in Houston produced the franchise's most successful era since the back-to-back championships — he led the Rockets to the 2018 Western Conference Finals and transformed Houston into one of the NBA's marquee franchises.
Career Honors
NBA MVP (2018)
6x NBA Scoring Champion
10x NBA All-Star (as a Rocket)
NBA Sixth Man of the Year (2012)
3x NBA All-Star Game MVP
Pac-10 Player of the Year (2009)
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Traded to the Clippers for James Harden, Garland has done something unexpected: made Los Angeles's offense elite by doing less. A breakdown of the playmaking precision that makes him one of basketball's most efficient point guards.
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The Step-Back King
Signature Move
