Los Angeles Clippers star guard James Harden is the fourth player in the league’s history to achieve at least 25k points, 7k assists, and 6k rebounds, joining the likes of LeBron James, Oscar Robertson, and Russell Westbrook. Harden, who has played multiple roles in his career, recently had a fascinating response to a reporter’s question about his strategy to adjust to the current NBA trend.
In the offseason, the Los Angeles Clippers lost Paul George and Russell Westbrook. However, they had a busy free agency, signing Mo Bamba, Nicolas Batum, Derrick Jones Jr., and Kevin Porter Jr. and trading Kris Dunn for Westbrook.
On Thursday, the Clippers star guard chatted with reporters, who asked about his adjustment to the new NBA style. James Harden told the media on day three of training camp in Hawaii, “I’m one of the people the NBA had to adjust to. Just being in here, being crafty, working on it, loving it.”
Although there’s no official solid proof to back Harden’s claim that the NBA ever had to adjust because of him, it is true that he is a special player. The 35-year-old took various roles in his one-and-a-half-decade-long career, which certainly backs his claims. So, without further ado, let’s take a closer look at several mantles he took up in his NBA career.
James Harden’s Different Roles Over The Years
In his 15-season NBA career and counting, the 2018 NBA MVP has played for five franchises. His role was often changed per the team’s requirement, and the 35-year-old always delivered. The Clippers star played eight seasons with the Houston Rockets, while he played for three teams in the last three seasons.
James Harden As Sixth-Man At The OKC Thunder
The 10-time NBA All-Star James Harden joined the league in 2009 when the Oklahoma City Thunder selected him third overall in the NBA Draft. He played three seasons with the franchise and reached the NBA Finals in 2012, where they lost against the Miami Heat.
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Harden played a sixth-man role at OKC, as he was the primary scorer and playmaker from the bench. For his outstanding performance in the 2011-12 season, he won the Sixth Man of the Year award in his last season with the Thunder.
Also Read: Top 5 NBA Teammates Who Never Got Along With Each Other: Ft. Barkley-Pippen and Durant-Harden
James Harden As Dominant Scorer At The Houston Rockets
The Beard spent most of his career with the Hoston Rockets, where he played nine years and established himself as one of the NBA’s top scorers. In his first season with the Rockets, Harden averaged 25.9 points per game, 9.1 points more than his last season’s average. The former Rockets guard won all his three scoring champion honors with Houston.
Harden averaged 29.6 points, 6 rebounds, and 7.7 assists for the Rockets in 621 games. Apart from his three consecutive scoring titles, he also won the steals leader in 2017 and earned his first All-Star selection in his first season with the Rockets.
Playmaker At The Brooklyn Nets And The Philadelphia 76ers
After leading the Rockets to two Conference Finals, Harden joined Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant to form a super team at the Brooklyn Nets in January 2021. Harden quickly transitioned from a high-scoring player to a playmaker at the Nets. However, the Nets superstar trio played just 16 games together due to injuries and off-the-court issues.
Harden joined Joel Embiid’s Philadelphia 76ers in February 2022, played the role of a facilitator, and continued his high-scoring abilities. In the 2022-23 season, the NBA guard averaged 21 points, 6.1 rebounds, 10.7 assists, and 1 steal per game.
James Harden joined the Los Angeles Clippers in November last season. Although his statistics dipped compared to previous seasons, Harden will have a more significant role this season alongside Kawhi Leonard.
Also Read: James Harden’s Car Collection: A Look At Los Angeles Clippers Star’s $842K Garage
