James Harden

James Harden is an American professional basketball player, born on August 26, 1989, in Los Angeles, California. He is widely regarded as one of the top basketball players of his generation. Harden began his professional career with the Oklahoma City Thunder before moving to the Houston Rockets in 2012, where he became an NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP).

Harden is known for his scoring ability, playmaking, and versatility. He has won numerous individual awards, including the NBA MVP award in 2018, and holds multiple records, such as the most points scored in a single game for the Houston Rockets.

Off the court, Harden is also recognized for his philanthropy and influence, making significant charitable contributions and inspiring millions worldwide.

Oklahoma City Thunder

• Early Career: Harden was selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the third overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. He was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2012.

Houston Rockets

• Prime Years: Harden was traded to the Houston Rockets in 2012. He developed into one of the NBA's top players, winning the NBA MVP award in 2018 and leading the Rockets to multiple playoff appearances.

Brooklyn Nets

• Latest Chapter: Harden was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in 2021, forming a 'super team' with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Despite battling injuries, Harden's individual performances have remained strong.

USA National Team

• Debut: Made his debut for Team USA in 2012.

Achievements:

• Olympic Gold Medal: Winner in 2012.
• FIBA World Cup: Winner in 2014.
• Harden is one of the key contributors to Team USA's success over the years.

• Position: Primarily a shooting guard, but also excels as a point guard.
• Skills: Known for his exceptional scoring ability, playmaking, and versatility. Harden is celebrated for his unique style of play, including his step-back three-pointer and ability to draw fouls.

• Family: Harden is not married and does not have any children.
• Philanthropy: Harden is involved in various charitable activities and has donated significant sums to educational causes and disaster relief efforts.

• James Harden is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his work ethic, determination, and longevity in professional basketball. His impact on the sport and his status as an icon extend beyond the court, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

NBA Most Valuable Player:

• Winner in 2018

NBA Scoring Champion:

• Winner in 2018, 2019, and 2020

NBA Assists Leader:

• Winner in 2017

Most points scored in a single game for the Houston Rockets:

• Scored 60 points in 2018

Books

• Watman, M. (2019) James Harden: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Premier Shooting Guards. Clayton: Brookline Books.

Websites

• NBA: Information about James Harden’s career and achievements. Available at: https://www.nba.com
• ESPN: Details about Harden’s career statistics and performances. Available at: https://www.espn.com

Articles

• Bleacher Report: James Harden: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.bleacherreport.com
• The Guardian: James Harden’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/james-harden

Interviews and Documentaries

• ESPN Interviews: Various interviews and features on James Harden, covering different aspects of his career. Available at: https://www.espn.com