James Harden's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of James Harden.

James Harden is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He is considered one of the NBA's greatest shooting guards and scorers. Known for his distinctive beard and nicknamed "the Beard," Harden was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. He has won two gold medals representing the United States in international competition, at the 2012 Summer Olympics and the 2014 FIBA World Cup.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2006: AAU Championship

In 2006, James Harden helped his AAU team, Pump-N-Run Elite, to the Las Vegas Adidas Super 64 championship, scoring 34 points in the victory over DC Assault.

2009: All-American and NBA Draft

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.

January 1, 2010: Reference to decade scoring

James Harden finished the decade as the NBA's leading scorer with 19,578 points going back to January 1, 2010.

2012: Harden's scoring prowess

From the 2012–13 season to the 2019-2020 season, James Harden averaged over 25 points per game.

2012: Harden wins 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: Harden's scoring since joining the Rockets

Since his trade to the Houston Rockets in the 2012-13 NBA season, James Harden has scored the most points in the NBA.

February 2, 2013: First Career Triple-Double

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

December 26, 2013: Record-Breaking Free Throw Performance

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 (2-9 FG) against the Memphis Grizzlies, finishing with a career best 22-of-25 from the free throw line.

February 5, 2014: Scored 3,000 Points With The Rockets

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

2014: Harden led the NBA in free throw attempts

From the 2014–15 NBA season until the 2019–20 season, James Harden led the NBA in free throw attempts and makes every year.

2014: Harden wins FIBA Basketball World Cup

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

April 2015: First Player With Two 50-Point Games

In April 2015, James Harden became the first player in Houston Rockets franchise history to have two 50-point games in a season. He also helped the Rockets win their first division title since 1994.

2015: Harden's improved defense

In 2015, James Harden's improved defense was noted as a major reason for the Houston Rockets' regular season success.

December 31, 2016: Recorded triple-double with 53 points

On December 31, 2016, James Harden recorded a triple-double with 53 points, 17 assists, and 16 rebounds in a 129–122 win over the New York Knicks, becoming the first player in NBA history to finish with a 50–15–15 stat line.

July 8, 2017: Signed contract extension with the Rockets

On July 8, 2017, James Harden signed a four-year contract extension with the Rockets for approximately $160 million, making it a total six-year deal with $228 million guaranteed, the richest contract in NBA history.

2017: Named NBA Most Valuable Player

In June 2018, James Harden was named the NBA Most Valuable Player for the 2017-18 season.

2018: NBA MVP Award

In 2018, James Harden was named the NBA Most Valuable Player while playing for the Houston Rockets, also leading the Rockets to the Western Conference Finals that year.

October 30, 2019: Scored 59 points against the Washington Wizards

On October 30, 2019, James Harden scored 59 points against the Washington Wizards, extending his streak of having a 50-point game in 6 straight seasons.

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

On November 11, 2019, James Harden was named the Western Conference's Player of the Week after the Rockets went 3–0, Harden recording a double-double in each game and averaging 40.7 points.

November 30, 2019: Scored 60 points against the Atlanta Hawks

On November 30, 2019, James Harden scored a season-high 60 points along with 8 assists in 31 minutes against the Atlanta Hawks.

December 21, 2019: Passed Elgin Baylor for most 40-point games in NBA history

On December 21, 2019, James Harden passed Elgin Baylor for most 40-point games in NBA history, scoring 40 points in a win against the Phoenix Suns.

2019: Harden's scoring prowess

From the 2012–13 season to the 2019-2020 season, James Harden averaged over 25 points per game.

2019: Harden led the NBA in free throw attempts

From the 2014–15 NBA season until the 2019–20 season, James Harden led the NBA in free throw attempts and makes every year.

2020: Harden's scoring prowess

From the 2012–13 season to the 2019-2020 season, James Harden averaged over 25 points per game.

January 26, 2024: Harden logs 75th career triple-double

On January 26, 2024, James Harden recorded his 75th career triple-double with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists in a 127–107 win over the Toronto Raptors.

November 2, 2024: Harden logs his 78th career triple-double

On November 2, 2024, James Harden recorded his 78th career triple-double, tying Wilt Chamberlain for seventh in NBA history, with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists in a 125–119 loss against the Phoenix Suns. He also reached 26,000 career points, becoming the 20th player in NBA history to do so.

January 30, 2025: Harden named All-Star reserve

On January 30, 2025, James Harden was named as a reserve for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, marking his eleventh selection.

November 10, 2025: Harden posts triple-double in loss to Hawks

On November 10, 2025, James Harden recorded a triple-double with 35 points (19 in the fourth quarter), 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. However, the Clippers lost to the Atlanta Hawks with a score of 105–102.