James Harden is one of the most dominant and highest-scoring basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA) today. Born on August 26, 1989, in Los Angeles, California, Harden’s journey to becoming an NBA superstar was not an easy one, but his unrelenting passion and dedication to the sport made him the powerhouse he is today.
Harden’s love for basketball took root at an early age, and he started playing the sport as a kid. He pursued his passion throughout high school, harden” title=”Marcia Gay Harden”>where he played for Artesia High School in Lakewood, California. As a teenager, he already showed so much promise, that he was granted a scholarship and attended Arizona State University, where his career took off.
In his college days, Harden’s performances earned him several accolades, including Associated Press Third-Team All-American, Pacific-10 Conference’s Player of the Year, and All-Pac-10 First-Team honors, among others.
Harden turned pro in 2009, after two seasons at Arizona State, and was selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder as the 3rd overall pick in the NBA draft. He spent three seasons with the Thunder, where he played alongside Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Still, it wasn’t until he moved to the Houston Rockets in 2012, that his career landed in another gear.
Harden’s performance in Houston was exceptional, and his list of achievements started to grow. In 2014, he was recognized as the NBA’s MVP runner-up, a feat he would repeat in 2015 and 2017. In 2018, his remarkable playing style earned him his first NBA MVP award.
Harden’s success isn’t all credit to his natural abilities. He’s also known for his unique playing style, which involves his signature, step-back three-point shot, which has become a staple in the modern NBA game, and is one of the main reasons he’s become known as the “Harden Step-back.” His style has been a catalyst for many other players to try and emulate, revolutionizing the game in a new era.
Off the court, Harden is known for his love of fashion and style. He has one of the biggest sneaker deals in NBA history with Adidas, and his beard became an iconic part of his look as his career developed.
Harden has also been very active in the community. In 2015, he formed the James Harden Foundation, which is dedicated to providing opportunities and education for underprivileged children. His efforts have paid off as he gets involved in numerous charitable programs to help those in need.
In 2021, hoping to ensure his success and reach new heights, Harden teamed up with NBA superstar Kevin Durant and incoming MVP, Kyrie Irving, to form a dream team with the Brooklyn Nets. The world has been excited to see Harden’s drive and scoring prowess amplified through NBA Eastern Conference powerhouse of the Nets.
In conclusion, Harden’s hard work and dedication to the sport has undoubtedly altered the NBA landscape. Throughout the years, he has consistently proven himself to be one of the most dominant scorers in the game, and his unique style has made him stand apart from other players. As Harden’s career continues to evolve, he will remain a force to be reckoned with in the world of basketball, leaving a legacy for players everywhere to look up to.