American · Los Angeles · Born 26 August 1989American basketball guard known for prolific scoring, step-back three-pointer, and leading NBA in scoring for three consecutive seasons (2018-2020)
James Edward Harden was born in Los Angeles in 1989. Oklahoma City Thunder drafted him third overall in 2009. After three seasons as sixth man and winning the Sixth Man of the Year award, he was traded to the Houston Rockets in 2012. He won the NBA MVP award in 2018 and led the league in scoring three consecutive seasons (2018-2020). He averaged 36.1 points per game in 2018-19 — the highest since Michael Jordan's 37.1 in 1986-87. He set the Rockets all-time scoring record. His step-back three-pointer — creating space with a rapid backward move before rising to shoot — became one of basketball's most analysed individual techniques. He was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in January 2021 and then the Philadelphia 76ers in 2022. He won Olympic gold with the USA in 2012. He was selected to 10 All-Star games. His ability to create his own shot, draw fouls and score from distance made him the most prolific individual offensive player of his NBA era.
Step-back three-pointer, prolific scoring, drawing fouls
He averaged 36.1 points per game in the 2018-19 season — the most in any season since Michael Jordan in 1986-87.
Did You Know?How They Played
Isolation scoring, three-point shooting, playmaking guard
Lasting Impact
One of the greatest offensive players in NBA history, revolutionized modern scoring
Career Honours
- NBA MVP 2018
- Scoring Champion 2018, 2019, 2020 (3 consecutive)
- All-Star 10x
- All-NBA First Team 6x
- Sixth Man of Year 2012
- Olympic Gold 2012
| Club | Period | Apps | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 2009–2012 | 220 | #13 |
| Houston Rockets | 2012–2021 | 1215 | #12 |
| Brooklyn Nets | 2021–2022 | 44 | — |
| Philadelphia 76ers | 2022–2023 | 58 | — |
| Los Angeles Clippers | 2023–2024 | — | — |
American Athletes