James Harden has added another significant achievement to his illustrious career, moving past NBA Hall of Famer Ray Allen to claim the second spot on the NBA’s all-time three-pointers list. This milestone came during a Clippers vs. Jazz game, where Harden needed just one more three-pointer to secure his place in history. He reached the mark with a pull-up three in the first quarter, but the night wasn’t only about breaking records. Reflecting on his career, Harden took a moment to honor his early days with the Oklahoma City Thunder, acknowledging the influence of former teammates Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
In a post-game interview, Harden expressed gratitude, saying, “They set the blueprint. When I got there, they had the blueprint of how to work… So all I did was just fall right in line.” He continued, noting how his time in OKC laid the foundation for his future success, which gave him the confidence he carried into his career with the Houston Rockets. “Shoutout to KD, shoutout to Russ, and the whole Oklahoma City organization,” Harden said, acknowledging their impact.
Harden’s time with the Thunder helped shape him into the player he is today. Despite coming off the bench initially, he was able to learn from the dynamic duo of Durant’s scoring and Westbrook’s energy, soaking in their work ethic and determination. It was a crucial period that set him up for success.
However, things weren’t as perfect as they seemed in Oklahoma City. Kendrick Perkins, a former teammate of Harden, recently revealed a behind-the-scenes story during a podcast episode, shedding light on what led to Harden’s departure. Perkins recounted a conversation after the Thunder’s gold medal win at the Olympics, where Durant shared that Harden was encouraged by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and other NBA stars to pursue a lead role elsewhere. This advice ultimately influenced Harden’s decision to decline a contract extension, setting the stage for his trade to the Houston Rockets just months later.
Is Harden’s tribute to KD and Russ a reflection of OKC’s underrated legacy? Many basketball fans often wonder how the Thunder might have looked had Harden stayed alongside Durant and Westbrook. This remains one of the biggest “what-ifs” in NBA history, much like imagining LeBron James as an NFL player. But as Perkins revealed, there were outside influences that contributed to Harden’s eventual departure from OKC.
