James Harden

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Lore & Background

Harden's development in Oklahoma City was rapid. In his rookie 2009–10 season, he recorded the fourth-highest three-point percentage (.375) in NBA history for a player under age 21 with at least 150 attempts. He connected on seven straight three-pointers over two games in November, setting a rookie record for consecutive makes since Michael Dickerson's eight in May 1999. By the lockout-shortened 2011–12 season, Harden averaged 16.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 62 games. He scored in double figures in all but four appearances, including a 40-point performance against Phoenix on April 18, 2012, which made him the first reserve to score 40 since Rodrigue Beaubois in March 2010. This season earned him the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award and guided the Thunder to the 2012 NBA Finals.

In Their Own Story

The Thunder's run to the 2012 NBA Finals was a defining moment for Harden, who served as the team's primary sixth man behind Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Despite their offensive firepower, Oklahoma City lost to the Miami Heat in five games. Following this series, the franchise attempted to sign Harden to a four-year extension worth between $52 and $55 million during the 2012 free agency period. Harden later contended that he was given too little time to consider the offer. Unwilling to take a pay cut after the Thunder refused to meet his contract demands, he was traded to the Houston Rockets before the start of the 2012–13 season.

Reader's Guide

Harden entered the league as the third overall pick in 2009 and immediately made an impact. During the 2010–11 season, he scored 10 or more points on 54 occasions, including a season-high 26 against the Phoenix Suns on March 6, 2011. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team after his first year and continued to build his reputation as a clutch performer. His ability to score efficiently from deep and create opportunities off the bench made him indispensable. Although he never won an MVP with OKC, his statistical production and leadership were vital in reaching the Western Conference Finals in both 2011 and 2012. The trade deadline for the 2012–13 season marked the end of his tenure, as financial disagreements led to his departure.

Did You Know?

• Harden connected on seven straight three-pointers over two games in November 2009, the most by a rookie since Michael Dickerson made eight straight in May 1999.
• In the lockout-shortened 2011–12 season, he scored 40 points against Phoenix on April 18, becoming the first reserve to hit that mark since Rodrigue Beaubois in March 2010.
• Oklahoma City offered Harden a four-year extension worth between $52 and $55 million during the 2012 free agency period before trading him.
• Harden averaged 16.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 62 games during the 2011–12 season when he won Sixth Man of the Year.
• He recorded the fourth-highest three-point percentage (.375) in NBA history for a player under age 21 with at least 150 attempts during his rookie year.