"It was like The Enforcer was coming into the game" - James Harden on why he loved playing off the bench in OKC

“It was like The Enforcer was coming into the game” – James Harden on why he loved playing off the bench in OKC originally appeared on Basketball Network.

When fans think of James Harden, they often picture the 2018 MVP — an elusive playmaker and masterful scorer known for his signature stepback jumper that left defenders baffled. Yet long before becoming the explosive combo guard who still dominates at age 35, Harden quietly honed his craft in the shadows during his early days with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Picked third in the 2009 NBA Draft out of Arizona State, Harden was immediately designated as the Thunder’s reserve. It was in that no-pressure role that he thrived. With superstars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook owning the spotlight, Harden was able to develop his game at a gradual pace, perfecting his craft behind the scenes.

A role he embraced

No players enter the NBA dreaming of coming off the bench. From hearing their names announced in the starting lineup to being featured on the big screen during introductions, it’s a privilege and an honor that every player longs for.

For Harden, embracing a role off the bench was no challenge — it was an opportunity he welcomed wholeheartedly. With Durant, Westbrook and Jeff Green commanding the spotlight in the starting five’s offense, few scoring opportunities remained for the other starters. Aware of this dynamic, Harden maximized his position as the primary facilitator and scorer for the second unit, thriving in his role and making a significant impact.

“When my name was called and the crowd would cheer, it got me excited,” he admitted.

Every time Thunder head coach Scott Brooks called Harden’s name, there was a murmur that reverberated from the crowd as they anticipated the entrance of their beloved sixth man. And with each successful 3-pointer or slick pass he made, the cheers grew louder and more fervent.

“It was crazy. It was like The Enforcer was coming into the game,” he added. “Here comes the game-changer. That got me excited to want to go out there and turn up every game.”

Harden eventually proved he was the best in his role, winning the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2012. He averaged 16.8 points on 49 percent shooting, 4.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.

Money matters

After proving his worth during the 2011-12 season, especially with his role in helping the Thunder reach the NBA Finals, Harden was looking to score a hefty payday. Unfortunately, he wouldn’t get it from the Thunder, who offered a four-year $55 million contract extension.

With that bridge burned, OKC traded him to the Houston Rockets — a move that shocked many.

“I felt like I already made a sacrifice coming off the bench and doing whatever it takes to help the team, and they weren’t willing to help me,” Harden said, explaining why he wanted a bigger contract.

Harden’s move to the Rockets was a game-changer, propelling his career to new heights with an impact nothing short of extraordinary. Not long after being handed the keys to the team’s offense, he went supernova and averaged 25.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game.

Proving that he was the real deal, he would later average over 30 points per game for three straight seasons. More than any individual accolade, he pushed the Rockets to the cusp of the NBA Finals but just couldn’t get past Stephen Curry and the powerhouse Golden State Warriors.

Harden, though, wasn’t at all surprised by what he was able to achieve once he got a free rein to run the offense the way he saw fit.

“Obviously, LeBron [James] and KD [Kevin Durant] are the top of the game. Those guys are like 6’10” and physically God-gifted athletically — and are stronger than me,” he said. “But I feel like I can rely on my IQ to reach that potential.”

Harden’s legacy as an all-time great is already set in stone. Now a full-time starter for the Los Angeles Clippers, he’s still in hot pursuit of the Larry O’Brien trophy and may have his best chance this upcoming season with the incredible roster the Clippers have.

However, people may not remember it as much, but there really was a time that the Beard came off the bench, hard as that may be to believe.

This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 8, 2025, where it first appeared.

“It was like The Enforcer was coming into the game” – James Harden on why he loved playing off the bench in OKC

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