38 Interesting Facts about James Harden

Dan April 21, 2023

James Harden is a professional basketball player who currently plays for the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA. He was born on August 26, 1989 in Los Angeles, California. Harden attended Arizona State University and played college basketball for two years before declaring for the NBA draft in 2009. He was drafted third overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder and spent his first three seasons with the team.

In 2012, Harden was traded to the Houston Rockets, where he would become one of the league’s most dominant and prolific scorers. Harden won the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award in 2018 and was named to the All-NBA First Team six times during his time with the Rockets.

In 2021, Harden was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, where he teamed up with fellow superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Despite injuries and setbacks, Harden has continued to be one of the most dynamic and impactful players in the league, with a style of play characterized by his impressive ball-handling, scoring ability, and court vision.

Do you want to know more about James Harden? Let’s take a look at these 38 interesting facts about James Harden.

1. James Harden was born on August 26, 1989 in Los Angeles, California.
2. He grew up in a single-parent household with his mother and siblings.
3. Harden’s mother worked hard to provide for the family, often working multiple jobs to make ends meet.
4. Harden attended Artesia High School in Lakewood, California, where he was a star basketball player.
5. He played college basketball for two years at Arizona State University before declaring for the NBA draft in 2009.
6. Harden was drafted third overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2009 NBA draft.
7. Harden spent his first three seasons with the Thunder, where he played alongside superstars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
8. In 2012, Harden was traded to the Houston Rockets in a blockbuster deal.
9. Harden quickly established himself as one of the league’s most dominant scorers, earning the nickname “The Beard” for his distinctive facial hair.
10. Harden won the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award in 2012 and was named an All-Star for the first time in 2013.
11. In 2015, Harden led the Rockets to the Western Conference Finals, where they were defeated by the Golden State Warriors.
12. Harden’s signature move is his step-back three-pointer, which he uses to great effect to create space and score points.
13. Harden is also known for his impressive ball-handling skills and court vision, which make him a formidable playmaker as well as a scorer.
14. In 2018, Harden won the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award after leading the league in scoring with an average of 30.4 points per game.
15. Harden has been named to the All-NBA First Team six times during his career.
16. Harden is a three-time scoring champion, having led the league in points per game in the 2017, 2018, and 2019 seasons.
17. In 2019, Harden scored a career-high 61 points in a game against the New York Knicks.
18. Harden has also set numerous records throughout his career, including the most three-pointers made in a single season (402 in 2016).
19. Off the court, Harden is known for his distinctive sense of style, often wearing bold and colorful clothing.
20. Harden is also a philanthropist, and has donated money and resources to various charities and causes throughout his career.
21. In 2021, Harden was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, where he teamed up with fellow superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
22. Harden’s arrival in Brooklyn was seen as a major coup for the team, which has been seeking its first NBA championship since 1976.
23. Harden suffered a hamstring injury during the 2021 playoffs, which caused him to miss several games.
24. Despite the injury, Harden continued to play through pain and helped lead the Nets to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
25. Harden has been involved in several controversies throughout his career, including an incident in 2013 where he was arrested for allegedly assaulting a photographer.
26. Harden was later cleared of all charges in that case.
27. In 2020, Harden was fined $50,000 for violating the NBA’s COVID-19 protocols by attending a party without wearing a mask.
28. Harden has been criticized for his sometimes lackadaisical defense, but has also shown the ability to be a strong defender when he puts in the effort.
29. Harden is a fan of the NFL’s Houston Texans and often attends their games.
30. Harden is a fan of the NFL’s Houston Texans and often attends their games.
31. Harden is also a fan of soccer and has expressed support for various teams and players over the years, including Arsenal and Lionel Messi.
32. In addition to basketball, Harden is also an avid poker player and has competed in several high-stakes tournaments.
33. Harden is known for his close relationship with his mother, who has been a constant source of support and encouragement throughout his career.
34. Harden has a tattoo of his mother’s face on his left arm, as well as several other tattoos.
35. Harden has also been involved in several business ventures throughout his career, including a partnership with Adidas to design his own line of shoes.
36. Harden has appeared in several television shows and movies, including a cameo in the 2018 film Uncle Drew.
37. Harden has been involved in various community outreach programs, including the James Harden Foundation, which aims to provide opportunities for underprivileged youth.
38. Despite his success on the court, Harden has said that his ultimate goal is to win an NBA championship, which has eluded him thus far in his career.

James Harden is a talented basketball player known for his signature beard, scoring ability, and unique playing style. He has achieved numerous accolades throughout his career, including being named the NBA MVP in 2018 and leading the league in scoring three times. Harden has also been a vital player for the United States men’s national basketball team, helping them win a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics. Off the court, Harden is involved in various business ventures and charitable organizations, including his own foundation aimed at helping underprivileged youth. While he has yet to win an NBA championship, Harden remains a dominant force in the league and a beloved figure among fans.