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Houston Rockets: We can’t forget to appreciate James Harden

By Kahrima Winston

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 10: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets warms up before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Toyota Center on March 10, 2020 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 10: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets warms up before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Toyota Center on March 10, 2020 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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Houston Rockets, James Harden
Houston Rockets, James Harden (Photo by Cato Cataldo/NBAE via Getty Images) /

When OKC Harden became Houston Rockets Harden

So, we knew that when he signed with the Rockets, he would be a special player and he carried with him to Houston the beard, a special game, and some experience. Something was unique about the connection between Houston and Harden. Houston gave Harden their heart; they basically handed him the whole team and said, “Hey, we trust you to bring us into the limelight, which is something we haven’t seen in a while.” James Harden brought the Rockets into a different light and then some and never looked back. Harden gave Houston his ultimate best game. Harden gave them his all.

There is something special about Houston and Harden in that Harden became one of the very best players in the league through Houston. Harden had been special, but he is now the best. Who knew that Harden, the Harden who came from OKC, could turn out to be the best player in the league. He surpassed his peers Westbrook and KD in a way by leaving OKC and going to Houston. By climbing to the top and winning MVP. By making the playoffs with the Rockets every year. It is all earned.

Related Story. 50 greatest NBA players not in the Hall of Fame. light

Harden and the Rockets are comparable to the old San Antonio Spurs – a core of players who make up a team with talent and experience and a game plan to make a mark on the league. The Rockets have made a run in the playoffs every year since having Harden, and they’ve advanced a few times and have been knocked out a few times. Mind you, the Spurs have won plenty of championships, and the Rockets haven’t.

In 2017, the Rockets took the next step in signing Harden to a four-year contract extension worth $160 million, with $228 million guaranteed for a six-year deal, which is the biggest contract in NBA history. It’s not hard to figure out why. The Rockets’ star has averaged over 30 points per game consecutively since the new contract. 34.3 points per game this season, 36.1 last season, and 30.4 in the previous season to be exact. His averages before that were just below 30 points per game – averages of 29, 27, and 25 points per game.

And the leap he made to get to this is incredible. Before joining the Rockets, Harden averaged anywhere between 9 and 16 points per game in his 3 years with OKC. He won Sixth Man of the Year the season before joining the Rockets.  He has averaged over 25 points every season with the Rockets. In one season, he averaged 11.2 assists, which is the same season he led the league in scoring. James Harden brings an all-around game to his team and the league.

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