James Harden is undoubtedly one of the greatest scorers the game has ever seen. His nine-year run with the Houston Rockets was a rare feat in the NBA. During it he won three consecutive scoring titles from 2018 to 2020.
Interestingly, Harden began his career as a six-man on the Oklahoma City Thunder. He showed rapid growth in no time, including winning the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2012. Unfortunately, a limited role on the team and contract disputes led to their parting ways.
Embarking on a new chapter with the Rockets, Harden emerged as an offensive powerhouse. His high-scoring performances even earned him comparisons to greats like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Arriving in Houston, James aspired to become the best player in the NBA.
“I need to expand my game and win. You look at the best players, their teams are always winning, whether it’s Jordan or Kobe winning championships to LeBron now. So to be the best you have to win games and you have to produce every single night. Obviously, it’s not going to come easy, but I’m working hard and I’m shooting for it,” said Harden during a 2013 Q&A.
The Beard’s postseason jinx
Harden’s critics regularly mention this point when discussing his legacy. Although he made waves with his performances in the regular season, he has yet to replicate the same success in the playoffs. The veteran guard’s ceiling remains the 2012 Finals appearance, which came with the Thunder.
During Harden’s tenure in Houston, the Rockets made the playoffs every year. Still, they could never advance past the Western Conference Finals. The Beard struggled to figure out his way around the Golden State Warriors, who spoiled the party for him in 2015, 2016 and 2018.
His numbers took a noticeable hit in the playoffs, which is not a good look for a star of his stature. Parting ways with the Rockets in 2021, the scenario did not change much for James regarding results. Playoff debacles continued to haunt them, be it on the Nets, 76ers, or Clippers.
A winning legacy
A Top 75 player, Harden has achieved almost every accolade in the book, barring a championship. Suiting up for his 17th season, James remains in pursuit of a ring. A guaranteed first-ballot Hall of Famer, the 37-year-old once shared how he wants to be remembered.
“That I was a winner, that I was a teacher. I had a different love for the game, put the money aside, I really enjoy and love the game of basketball and playing it. Whether it’s being with the kids here or when I travel to other places in Europe, when I go to China, I just want people to understand how much I really love and enjoy the game of basketball,”said Harden.
There is no denying that Harden is a winner when it comes to etching a great career. Nevertheless, when it comes to following the paths of MJ, Kobe, and LeBron, the Rockets veteran has a lot of distance to cover, especially in terms of showing his mettle on the big stages.