James Harden. #PROLOOKintheNBA
“In any situation, I’m going to be good.” Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden has proven time and again that he can be not only good but great.
Harden has always shown that he is a great scorer. As a sophomore at Artesia High School, he led them to a 29-5 record behind 13.2 points per game. He dominated his junior and senior years, averaging over 18 points per game each season and was named a McDonald’s All-American.
The prolific scorer went on to play college basketball at Arizona State University. The school was projected to struggle in Harden’s freshman year, being picked to finish ninth out of ten teams in the PAC-10. However, because of the freshman’s contributions of 17.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game they were able to finish fifth, narrowly missing the NCAA tournament. During his sophomore year, he helped the Sun Devils to the big dance to the tune of 20.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and All-American honors.
Harden’s stellar sophomore season led him to be picked number three overall in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder. During his three seasons with the Thunder, Harden was used as a sixth man, providing a scoring punch off the bench. He showed his scoring ability early, shooting one of the highest percentages ever by any player under 21. He increased his scoring output every year, winning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in the 2011-2012 season. Despite his clear ability, Harden was kept from starting because of team superstars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
After refusing a contract extension following the 2011-2012 season, Harden was traded to the Houston Rockets. In Houston, Harden and his trademark beard went on a tear, averaging 25.9 points per game and setting numerous franchise records in the first year en route to making the All-NBA Third Team and his first All-Star team.
Harden continued to improve every season, vaulting himself into the MVP conversation for six straight seasons, winning it in 2018. He cemented himself as one of the greatest scorers of all time, quickly shooting up the all-time scorers’ table and setting numerous records such as the second-longest streak of games scoring over 30 points (32 games), and the fewest number of shots needed to score 60 points in a game (24). Harden finished the 2010s as the highest scorer of the decade despite only becoming a starter three seasons in.
While Harden has become known as an incredible scorer thanks to his incredible shooting and patented eurostep and stepback moves, his overall impact is often criticized. He has been criticized by fans and media for his lack of defensive commitment, inability to perform in the playoffs, and for poor leadership.
Despite the criticism, Harden has continued to prove that he can be great. Take one look at his impact over the last decade and it is undeniable that he is one of the greatest players of all time.
#BuiltBetter #LiveYourGame #PROLOOK
