Who drafted James Harden? This question often comes up when discussing the career of one of the NBA’s most accomplished players. James Harden, known for his scoring ability and playmaking skills, was selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2009 NBA Draft.
James Harden was born on August 16, 1988, in Los Angeles, California. He attended Arizona State University, where he played college basketball and showcased his potential as a professional player. During his freshman season, Harden averaged 13.4 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game. His impressive performance led to his selection in the first round of the 2009 NBA Draft.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, then known as the Seattle SuperSonics, drafted Harden with the third overall pick. At the time, the team was looking to rebuild and improve its roster. The selection of Harden was seen as a significant move, as he had the potential to become a cornerstone player for the franchise.
Harden’s rookie season with the Thunder was promising, as he averaged 14.1 points, 3.2 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. However, it wasn’t until his fourth season with the team that he truly broke out. In the 2012-2013 season, Harden averaged 16.8 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game, earning him his first NBA All-Star appearance.
The following season, Harden continued to improve, averaging 21.9 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game. His outstanding performance earned him his second NBA All-Star nod and the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award. This recognition came as a result of Harden’s incredible ability to come off the bench and provide scoring and playmaking off the ball.
In 2016, the Thunder traded Harden to the Houston Rockets in a blockbuster deal that included several other players. This move allowed Harden to take on a larger role with the team and led to his breakout season in the 2016-2017 campaign. That year, Harden averaged 29.1 points, 8.1 assists, and 7.5 rebounds per game, earning him his first NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award.
Since then, Harden has continued to be a dominant force in the NBA. He has won two more MVP Awards and led the Rockets to their first NBA championship in 2019. Throughout his career, Harden has been known for his scoring ability, playmaking skills, and leadership on the court.
In conclusion, James Harden was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2009 NBA Draft. Since then, he has become one of the league’s best players and has won numerous awards, including two NBA MVPs. His journey from being drafted by the Thunder to leading the Houston Rockets to an NBA championship is a testament to his talent and work ethic.
