James Harden

How James Harden has made the Cavaliers a ‘better team,’ on and off the court

2026-04-09 00:20:00 UTC

The Cavs are 18-6 when James Harden plays, forming a backcourt duo with Donovan Mitchell that a rival coach called "nightmare fuel."

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden is ‘here for a reason’ - Andscape

2026-04-09 00:20:00 UTC

James Harden has another chance at an elusive title, telling teammates that if they can stay healthy, the Cavaliers could win it all.

James Harden’s 1 request to Cavs after trade, and it’s not what you think

2026-04-09 00:20:00 UTC

Cleveland Cavs guard James Harden had one ask of his new team after he was traded there from the LA Clippers.

James_Harden

James Edward Harden Jr. (born August 26, 1989) is an American professional basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is widely regarded as one of the greatest shooting guards and scorers in NBA history. In 2021, Harden was honored as one of the league's top 75 players by being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. Harden is also a two-time member of the United States national team, winning gold medals at the 2012 Summer Olympics and 2014 FIBA World Cup. Harden is nicknamed "the Beard" after his characteristic facial hair.

Harden played college basketball for the Arizona State Sun Devils, where he was named a consensus All-American and Pac-10 Player of the Year in 2009. Harden was selected with the third overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder. In 2012, he was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year and helped Oklahoma City reach the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Miami Heat in five games. After the Thunder refused to offer him a max contract extension, Harden was unwilling to take a pay cut and was subsequently traded to the Houston Rockets before the 2012–13 season.