History of James Harden in Timeline

James Harden is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Los Angeles Clippers. Renowned for his scoring ability and playmaking skills, he is considered one of the NBA's greatest scorers and shooting guards. Harden's achievements include being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. He has also represented the United States national team, winning gold medals at the 2012 Summer Olympics and the 2014 FIBA World Cup.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1959: Scored 82 Points in First Two Games

In 1959, Wilt Chamberlain scored 79 points in his first two career games with the Philadelphia Warriors and was surpassed by James Harden, who scored 82 points.

December 1967: Oscar Robertson's Stats

In December 1967, Oscar Robertson recorded at least 450 points, 150 assists, and 100 rebounds.

March 1968: Chamberlain's Stats

In March 1968, Wilt Chamberlain recorded 53 points, 32 rebounds, and 14 assists for Philadelphia.

1977: Artis Gilmore's Turnover Record

In 1977, Artis Gilmore recorded 366 turnovers, which was the first season the NBA recorded turnovers. Harden surpassed the record in the 2015-16 season.

1981: Moses Malone Scored in Consecutive Games

In 1981, Moses Malone had multiple streaks of scoring in consecutive games.

1981: Moses Malone's Free Throws Record

In the 1981-82 season, Moses Malone set a team record with 630 free throws made, which Harden later surpassed.

August 26, 1989: James Harden's Birth

On August 26, 1989, James Edward Harden Jr. was born. He later became a professional basketball player.

Others born on this day/year

1990: Tim Hardaway's Opener Stats

In 1990, Tim Hardaway recorded 32 points and 18 assists for the Golden State Warriors in an opener.

February 1991: Sleepy Floyd's Free Throws Record

In February 1991, Sleepy Floyd made 22 of 27 free throws against the Memphis Grizzlies.

1992: Hakeem Olajuwon's Player of the Week Honors

In the 1992-93 season, Hakeem Olajuwon captured Player of the Week honors three times.

1994: Rockets Win Division Title

In 1994, the Houston Rockets won their first division title since 1994, with the help of James Harden.

May 1999: Michael Dickerson's Consecutive 3-Point Record

In May 1999, Houston guard Michael Dickerson made eight straight 3-pointers, setting a record.

2000: Jerry Stackhouse's Accomplishments

In the 2000-01 season, Jerry Stackhouse achieved a record.

2004: Tracy McGrady's Player of the Week Honors

In the 2004-05 season, Tracy McGrady captured Player of the Week honors four times.

2005: Gilbert Arenas' Accomplishments

In the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons, Gilbert Arenas achieved a record.

2006: Won Adidas Super 64 Championship

In 2006, James Harden helped his AAU team, Pump-N-Run Elite, win the Las Vegas Adidas Super 64 championship. He scored 34 points in the victory over a DC Assault team and 33 points against Houston Hoops on the same day. In the final, Pump-N-Run Elite beat Kevin Love's Southern California All-Stars.

2006: Gilbert Arenas' Accomplishments

In the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons, Gilbert Arenas achieved a record.

March 2007: Kobe Bryant's Consecutive 50-Point Games

In March 2007, Kobe Bryant had four straight games scoring 50 or more points. Harden became the first NBA player since Bryant to score 50 or more in consecutive games in December 2017.

2007: Gilbert Arenas' Accomplishments

In the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons, Gilbert Arenas achieved a record.

November 30, 2008: Scored Career-High 40 Points

On November 30, 2008, James Harden scored a career-high 40 points in an 88–58 victory over UTEP.

2008: Participated in NIT Tournament

In 2008, James Harden's Arizona State team was considered a bubble team for the NCAA tournament and was selected to the 2008 NIT field, where they defeated Alabama State and Southern Illinois before losing to Florida.

2009: Started growing trademark beard

In 2009, James Harden began growing his signature beard due to laziness, which later became a trademark.

2009: Named All-American and Drafted to NBA

In 2009, James Harden was named a consensus All-American and Pac-10 Player of the Year while playing college basketball for the Arizona State Sun Devils. He was then selected with the third overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

2009: Named Pacific-10 Conference Player of the Year and Declared for NBA Draft

In 2009, James Harden was named the Pacific-10 Conference's Player of the Year and a consensus All-American. Following the season, he declared for the 2009 NBA draft and employed Rob Pelinka as his agent.

2009: Drafted by Oklahoma City Thunder

In 2009, James Harden was selected with the third overall pick in the NBA draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

March 2010: Rodrigue Beaubois Scores 40 as Reserve

In March 2010, Dallas guard Rodrigue Beaubois was the last NBA player in a reserve role to score 40 points before Harden's performance.

2010: Scored 10-plus Points in 54 Games

During the 2010-11 season, James Harden scored 10-plus points on 54 occasions.

March 6, 2011: Scored Season-High 26 Points

On March 6, 2011, James Harden scored a season-high 26 points against the Phoenix Suns during the 2010-11 season.

2011: Averaged 16.8 Points During Lockout Season

During the lockout-shortened 2011-12 season, James Harden averaged 16.8 points in 62 games and later received the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award.

April 18, 2012: Scored Season-High 40 Points

On April 18, 2012, James Harden scored a season-high 40 points against the Phoenix Suns.

October 27, 2012: Traded to the Houston Rockets

On October 27, 2012, James Harden was traded to the Houston Rockets along with Daequan Cook, Cole Aldrich, and Lazar Hayward, in exchange for Kevin Martin, Jeremy Lamb, two first-round picks, and a second-round pick.

October 31, 2012: Signed Contract Extension with Rockets

On October 31, 2012, James Harden signed a five-year, $80 million contract extension with the Houston Rockets.

2012: Oklahoma City Offered Contract Extension

During the 2012 free agency period, Oklahoma City attempted to sign James Harden to a four-year contract extension worth between $52 and $55 million.

2012: Won Gold Medal at the Olympics

In 2012, James Harden was a member of the United States national team that won a gold medal at the Olympics.

2012: Named NBA Sixth Man of the Year

In 2012, James Harden was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year while playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He also helped Oklahoma City reach the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Miami Heat in five games.

2012: Named to All-NBA Third Team

In 2012, James Harden was named to the All-NBA Third Team, marking his first career All-NBA Team selection.

2012: Trade to the Houston Rockets

In 2012, James Harden was traded to the Houston Rockets and has since become the NBA's leading scorer.

February 2, 2013: Registered First Career Triple-Double

On February 2, 2013, James Harden registered the first triple-double of his career against the Charlotte Bobcats, recording 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists.

February 20, 2013: Scored Career-High 46 Points Against Former Team

On February 20, 2013, James Harden scored a career-high 46 points in a 122–119 win over his former team, the Oklahoma City Thunder.

December 26, 2013: Registered 27 Points on Two Field Goals

On December 26, 2013, James Harden became the first player in NBA history to register at least 27 points on two or fewer field goals made against the Memphis Grizzlies.

2013: Drafted Steven Adams and Álex Abrines

In 2013, The Houston Rockets received Steven Adams and Álex Abrines as draft picks, as part of the trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

February 5, 2014: Scored 3,000 Points in First 120 Games with Rockets

On February 5, 2014, James Harden became the third player to score at least 3,000 points in his first 120 games with the Rockets, joining Elvin Hayes and Tracy McGrady.

February 25, 2014: Scored Season-High 43 Points

On February 25, 2014, James Harden scored a season-high 43 points in a 129–103 win over the Sacramento Kings.

2014: Led NBA in Free Throw Attempts

In 2014, James Harden led the NBA in free throw attempts and makes.

2014: Won FIBA Basketball World Cup

In 2014, James Harden was a member of the team that won the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

2014: Won Gold Medal at FIBA World Cup

In 2014, James Harden won a gold medal as a member of the United States national team at the FIBA World Cup.

2014: Drafted Mitch McGary

In 2014, The Houston Rockets drafted Mitch McGary as a pick, as part of the trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

2014: Named All-NBA First Team

In 2014-15, James Harden was named to the All-NBA First Team and later voted the inaugural National Basketball Players Association's MVP.

2014: Criticism of Harden's defense intensifies

In early 2014, James Harden faced intensified criticism regarding his defensive abilities, highlighted by a viral video. Later in 2014, during the offseason, he committed to improving his defense, which was evident during his time with the United States men's national basketball team.

April 2015: Had Two 50-Point Games in a Season

In April 2015, James Harden became the first player in Houston Rockets franchise history to have two 50-point games in a season. He helped the Rockets win their first division title since 1994 and clinched the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.

August 3, 2015: Endorsement deal with Adidas

On August 3, 2015, James Harden received an endorsement deal from Adidas worth $200 million over 13 years.

November 2015: Scored 43-Plus Points in Consecutive Games

In November 2015, James Harden became the first Houston Rocket to score 43-plus points in consecutive games since Moses Malone in 1981-82 season.

2015: Improvement on defense

In 2015, James Harden's improved defensive play became a key factor in the Houston Rockets' regular-season success.

2015: Set Career Marks and Joined Elite Company

In the 2015-16 season, James Harden set career marks in points (29), assists (7.5), and rebounds (6.1), joining LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Oscar Robertson as the only players in NBA history to average at least 29 points, seven assists, and six rebounds in a season.

July 9, 2016: Signed Contract Extension with Rockets

On July 9, 2016, James Harden signed a four-year, $118.1 million contract extension with the Houston Rockets.

September 2016: Harden Named Point Guard

In September 2016, new Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni announced that James Harden would take on the point guard role to begin the 2016-17 season.

2016: Played as Point Guard for the Rockets

During the 2016-2017 NBA season, James Harden played point guard under coach Mike D'Antoni, averaging over 10 assists per game.

2016: Withdrew from the Olympics

In 2016, James Harden was a candidate for the Olympics but ultimately withdrew from the team.

December 31, 2016: Harden Records Triple-Double with 53 Points Against Knicks

On December 31, 2016, James Harden achieved a triple-double with 53 points, 17 assists, and 16 rebounds in a 129–122 victory against the New York Knicks. He became the first player in NBA history to record a 50–15–15 stat line, tying Wilt Chamberlain for the most points in a triple-double.

July 8, 2017: Harden Signs Four-Year Contract Extension with Rockets

On July 8, 2017, James Harden signed a four-year contract extension with the Houston Rockets for approximately $160 million, resulting in a total six-year deal worth $228 million guaranteed, which was the richest contract in NBA history at the time.

January 30, 2018: Harden Scores 60 Points in Triple-Double Against Magic

On January 30, 2018, James Harden became the first player in NBA history to score 60 points as part of a triple-double, finishing with 10 rebounds and 11 assists in a 114-107 win over the Orlando Magic. He also broke Houston's single-game scoring record.

March 20, 2018: Harden Scores 57 Points in Overtime Loss to Grizzlies

On March 20, 2018, James Harden scored 57 points in a 126–125 overtime loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, marking his seventh 50-point game of the season.

2018: Named NBA Most Valuable Player

In 2018, James Harden was named the NBA Most Valuable Player while playing for the Houston Rockets, and led the team to the Western Conference Finals.

2018: Harden Named NBA Most Valuable Player for 2017-18 Season

In June 2018, James Harden was named the NBA Most Valuable Player for the 2017–18 season, becoming the third player in Houston Rockets franchise history to receive the award.

July 18, 2019: Became Part Owner of Houston Soccer Teams

On July 18, 2019, James Harden became a part owner in Houston's professional soccer teams, the Houston Dynamo of MLS and the Houston Dash of NWSL. He cited it as an investment in his city and to expand business interests.

October 4, 2019: Daryl Morey's Tweet and Harden's Apology to China

On October 4, 2019, Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey's tweet supporting the 2019-20 Hong Kong protests led to the Chinese Basketball Association suspending its relationship with the Houston Rockets. James Harden later apologized to China.

October 30, 2019: Harden Scores 59 Points Against Wizards

On October 30, 2019, James Harden scored 59 points with nine assists in a 159–158 win against the Washington Wizards. This extended his streak of 50-point games in 6 straight seasons.

November 11, 2019: Harden Named Western Conference Player of the Week

On November 11, 2019, James Harden was named the Western Conference Player of the Week after averaging 40.7 points, 9.3 assists, and 8.0 rebounds in three games, leading the Rockets to a 3-0 record.

November 30, 2019: Harden Scores 60 Points Against Hawks

On November 30, 2019, James Harden scored a season-high 60 points with 8 assists in 31 minutes during a 158–111 win against the Atlanta Hawks. This marked his fourth career 60-point game.

December 11, 2019: Harden Scores 55 Points Against Cavaliers

On December 11, 2019, James Harden scored 55 points in a 116–110 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers, marking his fourth 50-point game of the season.

December 13, 2019: Harden Scores 54 Points Against Magic

On December 13, 2019, James Harden scored 54 points in a 130–107 win against the Orlando Magic, marking his second consecutive 50-point game and his third time scoring back-to-back 50-point games in his career.

December 21, 2019: Harden Passes Baylor for Most 40-Point Games

On December 21, 2019, James Harden surpassed Elgin Baylor for the most 40-point games in NBA history during a 139–125 win against the Phoenix Suns.

2019: Led NBA in Free Throw Attempts

Through 2019, James Harden consistently led the NBA in both free throw attempts and makes.

2020: Requested Trade from the Rockets

At the beginning of the 2020-21 season, James Harden requested a trade from the Houston Rockets and was subsequently traded to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a four-team trade.

January 14, 2021: Traded to the Brooklyn Nets

On January 14, 2021, James Harden was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in a four-team deal involving the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers. The Houston Rockets received Rodions Kurucs, Dante Exum, Victor Oladipo, four first-round draft picks, and four first-round pick swaps as part of the trade.

October 22, 2021: Passes Kyle Korver on all-time three-pointers made list

On October 22, 2021, James Harden scored 20 points with seven rebounds and eight assists in a win over the Philadelphia 76ers, surpassing Kyle Korver for fourth on the all-time list of three-pointers made.

2021: Named to NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In 2021, James Harden was honored as one of the league's top 75 players of all time by being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

January 15, 2022: Scores 27 points and ties season-high 15 assists

On January 15, 2022, James Harden recorded 27 points, 8 rebounds, and tied a season-high with 15 assists in a 120-105 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

February 10, 2022: Traded to the Philadelphia 76ers

On February 10, 2022, James Harden, along with Paul Millsap, was traded by the Nets to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and two first-round selections.

July 27, 2022: Re-signs with the 76ers

On July 27, 2022, James Harden re-signed with the 76ers on a two-year, $68.6 million deal which includes a player option for the 2023–24 season.

2022: Traded to the Philadelphia 76ers

At the 2022 trade deadline, James Harden was traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Philadelphia 76ers after being named to his ninth and tenth consecutive All-Star games.

November 1, 2023: Traded to the Los Angeles Clippers

On November 1, 2023, James Harden, P. J. Tucker, and Filip Petrušev were traded from the 76ers to the Los Angeles Clippers for Marcus Morris Sr., Nicolas Batum, Kenyon Martin Jr., Robert Covington, a first-round pick, two second-round picks, a pick swap, and cash considerations.

2023: Led the League in Assists

In 2023, James Harden led the league in assists for the second time in his career. He was traded to the Clippers at the start of the 2023-24 season.

January 26, 2024: Records 75th career triple-double

On January 26, 2024, James Harden achieved his 75th career triple-double with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists in a victory over the Toronto Raptors.

July 10, 2024: Re-signs with the Clippers

On July 10, 2024, James Harden re-signed with the Clippers on a two-year, $70 million contract.

November 2, 2024: Ties Wilt Chamberlain for seventh in career triple-doubles

On November 2, 2024, James Harden tied Wilt Chamberlain for seventh place in NBA history with his 78th career triple-double, recording 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists. He also reached 26,000 career points.