James Harden, The Beard of the NBA

James Harden is currently one of the best players in the NBA. A regular in the all-star games and the best quintets of the year, he's an athlete that deserves special attention.
James Harden, The Beard of the NBA

Last update: 12 November, 2019

James Harden is one of the highest level point guards in the NBA. Commonly known as ‘The beard’, he’s a 29-year-old basketball player for the Houston Rockets. In this season, he’s set a historical record: over 30 points during 32 consecutive matches. For this and many other reasons, we’ll present one of the best players.

The Texan team player is 6’5 (1.96 m) tall and weighs 220 lb (100 kg). Being infallible in the free-throw line, James Harden takes on the offensive load of the team. His throw is versatile and powerful from all attacking positions. As if this wasn’t enough, Harden has a wide range of unique offensive movements that simply tear his rivals apart.

The 2018-2019 season is his seventh season with the Houston Rockets. The Los Angeles born player represented the Arizona State University for two seasons (2007-08 and 2008-09). During this period, he was appointed as Player of the Year in the Pac-10 Conference of 2009.

Shortly after that, Oklahoma City Thunder drafted him for the NBA in 2009. He’s been defending the Houston Rockets franchise since the 2012-2013 season when he transferred from the Thunders.

Ever since his college years, the player has sported the same look, gaining the nickname ‘The beard’ among NBA fans. As a curious fact, Harden is the only NBA player, along with Wilt Chamberlain, that has scored over 30 points in more than 30 consecutive games.

Nowadays, the Rockets player is well-known for his achievements with this NBA West Conference team. But his beard is almost as famous as his basketball skills. Keep reading to learn more about this unique and spectacular talent!

James Harden and his iconic beard during a Rockets game
Image: NBA.com

The most famous beard of the NBA

James Harden had facial hair in the state of Arizona during his college years. He even sported a beard during his second season with the team. However, we can’t compare his prior facial hair volume with the current look worn by the Rockets’ star player.

While many basketball players have a beard, Harden’s is without a doubt the most famous. Ironically, the size of his beard mimics Harden’s progress and evolution in the NBA.

Many fans playfully claim that the beard has powers, allowing the athlete to be one of the most interesting ones in the league. While during his college years he was a player to look out for, few people could have imagined that he would end up being one of the best players in the history of the league; or at least the most popular beard of the moment in the NBA.

James Harden: 32 matches scoring over 30 points

The charismatic NBA player has achieved a historical record that has prompted compliments from many of his teammates in the best league of the world. He went for more than 30 games scoring at least 30 points in each one. In total, there were 32 matches, which represents a unique milestone for the Houston Rockets player.

It was on December 11, 2018, that the point guard, who scored 29 points, didn’t go over the 30 point barrier. Since then, ‘The beard’ has managed to end all of his matches with a higher than average scoring.

James Harden wearing a red Rockets basketball shirt
Image: NBA.com

The streak came to an end in the Rockets victory against the Hawks by 119 to 111. This match happened the past February 26, 2019, a night in which he scored 28 points. During these truly inspiring games, Harden was able to exceed the 50 points barrier on 4 occasions.

However, basketball lovers know that this historic score record pales in comparison to the legendary Wilt Chamberlain, considered to be one of the best players in history. Chamberlain was able to score over 30 points on a total of 65 occasions. This feat seems impossible to achieve in a basketball style that’s as physical as the one we see today.

In conclusion, James Harden is one of the most charismatic players of all time and one of the ultimate points of reference for modern basketball worldwide. Now that you know more about this player, we encourage you to enjoy his performances with the Houston Rockets. You won’t regret it!


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