James Harden is one of the most dynamic and explosive players in the NBA today. With his ability to score from anywhere on the court, create for himself and his teammates, and dominate games on both ends of the floor, Harden has become a must-watch player in the league. But what makes him tick? How has he developed into the superstar we see today? To understand this, let's dive into James Harden's game log and explore his stats and performance history.
Early Years and Development
Before becoming the NBA sensation he is today, James Harden was a highly touted prospect coming out of high school. He played for Artesia High School in California and was named a McDonald's All-American in 2007. Harden then went on to play college basketball for Arizona State University, where he was named to the All-Pac-10 First Team in both his freshman and sophomore seasons.
College Stats
- Points: 19.0 per game
- Rebounds: 5.4 per game
- Assists: 4.2 per game
- Steals: 1.7 per game
- Shooting percentage: 44.6%
After two successful seasons at Arizona State, Harden declared for the 2009 NBA draft and was selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the third overall pick.
NBA Career
Harden's NBA career can be divided into three distinct phases: his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder, his stint with the Houston Rockets, and his current tenure with the Brooklyn Nets.
Oklahoma City Thunder (2009-2012)
During his time with the Thunder, Harden played a key role off the bench, providing a spark on offense and defense. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2010 and helped the Thunder reach the NBA Finals in 2012.
- Points: 12.9 per game
- Rebounds: 3.5 per game
- Assists: 2.5 per game
- Steals: 1.0 per game
- Shooting percentage: 43.4%
Houston Rockets (2012-2019)
In 2012, Harden was traded to the Houston Rockets, where he would go on to become one of the most prolific scorers in the NBA. He was named to the All-NBA First Team in 2014, 2015, and 2017, and led the Rockets to the Western Conference Finals in 2015 and 2018.
- Points: 24.3 per game
- Rebounds: 5.2 per game
- Assists: 6.2 per game
- Steals: 1.7 per game
- Shooting percentage: 44.3%
Brooklyn Nets (2019-Present)
In 2019, Harden was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, where he currently plays alongside Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Despite injuries and COVID-19 protocols, Harden has continued to perform at an elite level, earning All-NBA Team selections in 2020 and 2021.
- Points: 23.5 per game
- Rebounds: 5.5 per game
- Assists: 6.5 per game
- Steals: 1.4 per game
- Shooting percentage: 43.8%
Awards and Accolades
Throughout his career, Harden has accumulated numerous awards and accolades, including:
- NBA MVP (2018)
- 8x NBA All-Star
- 4x All-NBA First Team
- 4x All-NBA Second Team
- 2x NBA scoring champion
Legacy and Impact
As one of the most dominant players of his generation, Harden's legacy and impact on the game are already being felt. He has inspired a new generation of players with his unique blend of scoring, playmaking, and defense. Love him or hate him, James Harden is undoubtedly one of the greatest players of his era.
As we continue to watch James Harden's career unfold, one thing is certain: he will remain a must-watch player in the NBA for years to come.
Do you have a favorite James Harden moment or memory? Share with us in the comments below!
What is James Harden's career-high scoring average?
+James Harden's career-high scoring average is 36.1 points per game, achieved during the 2015-2016 season with the Houston Rockets.
How many NBA All-Star appearances has James Harden made?
+James Harden has made 8 NBA All-Star appearances throughout his career.
What is James Harden's highest career playoff scoring average?
+James Harden's highest career playoff scoring average is 26.3 points per game, achieved during the 2015 playoffs with the Houston Rockets.