The 2009 NBA Draft saw a talented left-handed guard, James Harden, drafted third overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Harden was one of the most gifted guards in that draft, but in his first three seasons with the Thunder, he led their second unit.
After a magical run to the NBA Finals with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and the Thunder, it unfortunately was time for him to spread his wings and go to another team. The Thunder went on to trade Harden along with guard Daequan Cook, center Cole Aldrich, and forward Lazar Hayward to the Houston Rockets for guards Kevin Martin and Jeremy Lamb, a 2013 first-round pick, and a 2013 second-round pick. And with that trade, Harden started his trajectory towards stardom.
Harden would explode for Houston, averaging more than 25 points per game in his first four seasons and becoming the face of the Rockets. He was more aggressive in taking shots and more deliberate, drawing fouls to get to the free-throw line, averaging the most free throws per game of his career.
Harden took it up a notch in the 2016-2017 season, averaging 29.1 points, 11.2 assists, and 8.1 rebounds as he was firmly entrenched as the leader of the Rockets. And on Dec. 31, 2016, he made a defining statement when he scored 53 points in a 129-122 win over the New York Knicks.
