James Harden is now a top-10 scorer in NBA history, a reality he’s still trying to wrap his head around.
“Get outta here,” he said when asked about joining names like Jordan, Bryant and LeBron. It’s a reaction that fits a career few expected to reach this level.
Harden began as a bench player for his first three seasons. He built his game on craft, not athleticism, spending more time on the floor than above the rim. And for years, critics claimed his body wouldn’t hold up. Seventeen seasons later, he has outlasted the predictions.
Now, after officially climbing into the top 10, Harden sees his work paying off.
“No way,” he said. “It’s like a dream come true. All the work I put in, coming to fruition. Those names are still talked about after basketball. It’s an honor to be part of that.”
Harden led the league in scoring three straight years, each time averaging over 30 points. He ranks second all-time in 3-pointers made behind Stephen Curry. His signature blend of step-backs, 3s, floaters and foul-drawing made him one of the defining scorers of his era. His playmaking made defensive schemes even harder: double him, and he’d simply pick out the open man.
Opponents had to choose their poison. Most nights, Harden chose for them.
