James Harden Teams: Which teams has The Beard played for and what has he achieved for each team?

James Harden Teams: Which teams has The Beard played for and what has he achieved for each team?

Kenneth Mwenda
updated at June 7, 2023 at 7:14 AM

James Harden's teams have become synonymous with success and excitement in basketball. With a career with multiple teams, Harden's impact on each franchise he has played for cannot be overstated. This is from his early days in high school to his current tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers.

James Harden Teams: Which teams have the beard played for, and what has he achieved for each team?
James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers prepares to shoot a free throw during the game against the Boston Celtics during Game 6 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference semi-finals on May 11, 2023, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Photo: Jesse D. Garrabrant
Source: Getty Images

Regarding the NBA, few names elicit as much admiration and respect as James. Known for his incredible scoring ability, crafty ball-handling, and unique style of play, Harden has left an indelible mark on every team he has played for. Let us look at what teams James Harden has played for.

James Harden's high school career

James Harden continued to make waves in the basketball world, showcasing his talent on his high school team and the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) circuit. Harden attended Artesia High School in Lakewood, California, where he quickly became a standout player.

As a sophomore, he helped lead Artesia to a state championship, leaving a lasting impression with his scoring ability and versatility on the court. James' success in both high school and AAU basketball laid the foundation for his transition to the collegiate level and ultimately propelled him toward a career that would leave an indelible mark on the NBA.

College career

What teams has James Harden played for?
Aerial view of Arizona State's James Harden (13) in action against Central Connecticut State in Tempe, AZ, on 12/29/2008. Photo: John W. McDonough
Source: Getty Images

Before making a name for himself in the NBA, James Harden showcased his skills at Arizona State University. Playing for the Sun Devils from 2007 to 2009, Harden quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with.

In his sophomore season, he led the Pac-10 in scoring with an impressive average of 20.1 points per game, earning him the Pac-10 Player of the Year award. His exceptional performance caught the attention of NBA scouts, paving the way for his professional career. So, how many professional teams has James Harden been on?

Oklahoma City Thunder (2009–2012)

The Oklahoma City Thunder selected James Harden with the third overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, ushering in a new chapter in his basketball journey. Harden's arrival in Oklahoma City, being his first team in NBA, was met with high expectations.

He quickly proved his worth as a valuable asset to the team. Serving as the sixth man for the Thunder, Harden provided a significant scoring punch off the bench, forming a formidable trio alongside Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

Houston Rockets (2012–2021)

How many teams has James Harden been on?
James Harden (13) of the Houston Rockets drives past Bradley Beal (3) of the Washington Wizards at the Toyota Center on December 12, 2012, in Houston, Texas. Photo: Scott Halleran
Source: Getty Images

In October 2012, James Harden was traded to the Houston Rockets, where he would go on to establish himself as one of the league's premier players. In his first season with the Rockets, James blossomed into an All-Star, averaging 25.9 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game. His outstanding performances earned him his first All-Star and All-NBA selections, solidifying his status as a rising star in the league.

2013–2014: First all-NBA first-team selection

Building on his success, Harden continued to elevate his game during the 2013-2014 season. With remarkable scoring prowess, he averaged 25.4 points per game and led the Rockets to the playoffs. Harden's impressive play earned him his first All-NBA First Team selection, a testament to his exceptional skills and impact on the game.

2014–2016: Second in MVP voting and turnovers Record

James Harden's teams
James Harden of the Houston Rockets during the game against the Sacramento Kings on December 15, 2015, at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, California. Photo: Rocky Widner
Source: Getty Images

The 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 seasons further cemented Harden's place among the league's elite players. His scoring ability reached new heights as he averaged 27.4 and 29 points per game, respectively. In the 2014-2015 season, he finished second in the MVP voting, narrowly missing out on the prestigious award.

However, James also set an unwanted record during this period, leading the league in turnovers for three consecutive seasons. Despite this blemish, his offensive prowess and ability to carry the team were undeniable.

2016–2017: Point guard role and leading the NBA in assists

The 2016-2017 season marked a significant transition for James Harden. Under the guidance of head coach Mike D'Antoni, Harden embraced a new role as the team's primary playmaker, assuming the point guard position.

The move paid dividends, as Harden not only led the Rockets in scoring but also led the entire league in assists with an impressive average of 11.2 per game. This transformative season showcased Harden's versatility and basketball IQ.

2017–2018: MVP season and scoring title

James Harden 75th Anniversary team
James Harden during his visit to Manila to promote his shoe, the Adidas Harden 5, on 26th June 2019. Photo: Dennis Jerome Acosta
Source: Getty Images

The 2017-2018 campaign proved to be a watershed year for James Harden. Putting up staggering numbers, he averaged 30.4 points, 8.8 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game, leading the Rockets to an impressive 65-win season.

Harden's exceptional performance earned him the coveted MVP award, solidifying his status as one of the league's premier players. Additionally, he clinched the scoring title, further underscoring his scoring prowess.

2018–2019: Career high in scoring

Harden's offensive exploits reached new heights during the 2018-2019 season. Demonstrating his scoring mastery, he averaged a career-high 36.1 points per game, becoming only the third player in NBA history to average over 36 points in a season. Harden's offensive arsenal seemed unstoppable, as he consistently showcased his ability to score from anywhere on the court, dazzling fans and critics alike.

2019–2021: Continued excellence and best teammates

Throughout the remaining years of his tenure with the Houston Rockets, James Harden maintained his remarkable level of play. He continued to put up impressive numbers and established himself as one of the league's most consistent scorers.

Harden also had the opportunity to play alongside notable teammates such as Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul, forming dynamic partnerships that propelled the Rockets to postseason success. James Harden's career-high in points came on January 30, 2019, when he exploded for an astonishing 61 points against the New York Knicks.

Brooklyn Nets (2021–2022)

James Harden's best teammates
James Harden of the Brooklyn Nets during the second half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on December 08, 2021, in Houston, Texas. Photo: Carmen Mandato
Source: Getty Images

In a blockbuster trade in January 2021, James Harden was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, joining forces with fellow superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. The trio formed an imposing "Big Three," sparking anticipation and excitement among fans and pundits alike. Harden's arrival in Brooklyn further solidified the Nets' championship aspirations as they aimed to leverage the collective talents of their star-studded lineup.

As the NBA celebrated its 75th anniversary, James Harden's impact on the game was duly recognised as he was named to the prestigious NBA 75th Anniversary Team. This honour highlighted his exceptional skills, influence, and contributions to the sport throughout his career.

Being selected among the elite players in the history of the league is a testament to Harden's remarkable scoring ability, playmaking skills, and ability to make a lasting impact on every team he has played for. His inclusion on the 75th Anniversary Team solidifies his status as one of the most influential and dominant players of his generation.

Philadelphia 76ers (2022–present)

James Harden's teams
James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers controls the ball ahead of Eric Gordon (10) of the Houston Rockets during the second half at Toyota Center on December 05, 2022, in Houston, Texas. Photo: Carmen Mandato
Source: Getty Images

In August 2022, James Harden was once again on the move, this time joining the Philadelphia 76ers. The trade reunited him with former Rockets teammate and close friend Chris Paul. The pairing of Harden and Paul, along with the talented 76ers roster, presents a new opportunity for the versatile guard to make a significant impact in the Eastern Conference.

How many teams has James Harden been on?

James Harden has been on four different teams throughout his NBA career. He began his professional journey with the Oklahoma City Thunder (2009-2012), where he played alongside Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. In 2012, he was traded to the Houston Rockets (2012-2021), where he established himself as a superstar.

In 2021, he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, joining a star-studded lineup that included Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Finally, in 2022, he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, where he currently plays alongside Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.

James Harden's journey through various teams has been marked by stellar performances, individual accolades, and memorable partnerships with remarkable teammates. The teams he has been a part of have greatly contributed to the expansion of his net worth and his rise to fame. As he continues to leave his mark on the league, fans can only anticipate further moments of brilliance from this exceptional player.

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Authors
Kenneth Mwenda photo
Kenneth Mwenda
Kenneth Mwenda is a business and sports writer with over five years of experience. At Sportsbrief, he contributes to writing biographies and listicles.