James Harden was born on August 26, 1989, in Los Angeles, California. The N.B.A. star is one of the greatest professional basketball players of our time. He has played for three of the biggest N.B.A. teams. Harden’s basketball skills have amazed everyone since his professional debut in 2009. The basketball sensation refuses two things: to slow the pace of his success and to shave his beard. Let’s celebrate Harden’s birthday!
Fast Facts
Full Name:
James Edward Harden Jr.
Nickname:
The Beard
Birth date:
August 26, 1989
Age:
35
Zodiac Sign:
Virgo
Height:
6' 5"
Relationship Status:
Single
Net Worth:
$165 million
Background
James Edward Harden Jr. is a professional basketball player, currently playing for the Philadelphia 76ers. He attended Artesia High School in Lakewood, California. There he played for the school’s basketball team, already showing great aptitude for the sport. Harden helped his school team to reach the California state title. He attended Arizona State University, creating a huge impact on the university’s basketball team from his freshman year. Harden was named first-team All-Pac-10, and by the end of his college years, he picked Rob Pelinka as his agent.
He was selected with the third overall pick of the 2009 N.B.A. draft. He was picked by the Oklahoma City Thunder. During the 2011 to 2012 season, Harden emerged as the best player of the Thunder. He won N.B.A. Sixth Man of the year and led the Oklahoma City Thunder to the N.B.A. Final. Sadly, the team lost against the Miami Heat. Harden refused to sign an extension of his contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder, so he was traded to the Houston Rockets in 2012. With the Rockets, Harden’s career really took off. He was named to his first All-N.B.A. Team (the first of seven times while playing for the Rockets) and his first N.B.A. All-Star team (his first of eight participations). Harden did wonders in his first seven seasons with the Houston Rockets. His performance earned him the Most Valuable Player award in 2018. In 2020, Harden was traded to the Brooklyn Nets. With the Nets, he was selected for his eighth and ninth N.B.A. All-Star games. Harden left the Nets to join the Philadelphia 76ers at the beginning of 2022.
Harden is known as “The Beard.” The basketball star refuses to shave his beard since he started growing it in 2009. Harden has dated a long list of actresses and models. It is hard to keep track of Harden’s love life. Today, we are not sure if he is engaged in any relationship.
Career timeline
James Harden is selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Harden leads his team to his first N.B.A. Final.
Harden leaves the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Houston Rockets.
Harden is selected to participate in his first N.B.A. All-Star Game.
Harden is named the Most Valuable Player of the league.
Harden moves to the Brooklyn Nets.
Harden is traded to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Why We Love James Harden
He cares about his family
After leaving the Oklahoma City Thunders, James Harden left the house the team gave him to his sister. He wanted his nieces and nephews to grow up in a big house and a nice neighborhood.
He set an example of dedication
All Harden could think about growing up was basketball. He was offered many distractions along the way, but he kept practicing and developing his athletic skills. His dedication to his passion made him one of the greatest N.B.A. players of our time.
His charity work
Harden founded The Harden Way foundation. The not-for-profit organization is dedicated to closing the educational and economic gap in the Houston Metropolitan Area.
5 Surprising Facts
His father was hardly around
When James Harden was a child, his dad was always going in and out of jail; his mom had to raise him alone.
His luscious beard
Harden allows only his barber to take care of his beard; he doesn’t use any products; it is 100% natural.
He’s a fashionista
Harden loves fashion; he describes his style as ‘weird’ and ‘funky.’
His first love was baseball
Harden fell in love with baseball before changing his passion to basketball.
He’s a cheese-lover
Harden's favorite food is cheese; that was all he craved as a kid.
James Harden FAQs
How many 30-point games does James Harden have?
Harden’s streak of 30-point games is 32, the second-longest in N.B.A. history.
How many three-pointers does James Harden have?
Harden has sunk 2,578 three-pointers throughout his career.
Is James Harden a good three-point shooter?
Yes! He is one of the best three-point shooters in the N.B.A.
James Harden’s birthday dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | August 26 | Tuesday |
2026 | August 26 | Wednesday |
2027 | August 26 | Thursday |
2028 | August 26 | Saturday |
2029 | August 26 | Sunday |