In a season full of frustration, the Los Angeles Clippers had a quick second of celebration.
James Harden made NBA historical past on Sunday. He surpassed Ray Allen to grow to be the league’s second chief for many profession 3-pointers made. He solely follows Stephen Curry now.
As many know, the longer term Corridor of Famer bought his begin in Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder. He spent his first three seasons in OKC with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. His stint was highlighted by a 2012 NBA Finals look and the Sixth Man of the 12 months award.
In search of greener pastures, Harden was traded to the Houston Rockets. This surprising commerce modified league historical past. He had among the finest primes of all time, however could not win a championship. He most likely would have gained one in a smaller position in OKC.
Alas, Harden selected particular person success. He wager on himself and gained the jackpot. A number of All-Star appearances and a 2018 MVP award present why it was sensible to have the boldness to be a franchise participant.
After making historical past, Harden credited his debut with the Thunder. It laid the muse for one of many biggest careers of all time.
“They laid out the plan once I bought there,” Harden mentioned. “They already had the plan on learn how to work, learn how to grow to be an expert on this league. All I did was simply toe the road. Every single day you’re employed exhausting, you take heed to the coaches and also you perceive learn how to play effectively each night time.”
The Thunder skilled an unprecedented state of affairs the place three future MVP winners have been on their roster. Durant, Westbrook and Harden seemingly pushed one another towards their respective celebrity statuses day-after-day within the fitness center.
“These three years actually helped me in my NBA profession,” Harden mentioned. “From that time on, I used to be so snug and assured in myself. After I bought traded to Houston, I knew I used to be going to achieve success as a result of I realized to work at a younger age.”
The trio performed collectively on a number of groups. Harden teamed with Westbrook throughout a number of stints with the Rockets and Clippers after 2017. He was additionally on the Brooklyn Nets with Durant for a quick interval. Durant congratulated Harden on the feat.
“Congratulations to JH, for attaining an unimaginable feat,” Durant mentioned through video. “All of the work you may have put in has paid off. You’ve impressed so many individuals around the globe with the way in which you play. You’ve been a terrific teammate and a terrific pal. I like you, brother. Stick with it to work.”
Regardless of the franchise’s early historical past, a lot of the league’s current historical past may be traced again to OKC. Though it did not bitterly lead to a championship, Sam Presti earned his recognition as one of many biggest normal managers of all time due to these three gamers.
“Because of KD, shout out to Russ and the complete Oklahoma Metropolis group,” Harden mentioned. “For that floor constructing they gave me.”
Fairly cool reward from James Harden after he turned the NBA’s second all-time 3-point chief. Talked about his first 3 years in OKC as the primary steps in his growth:
“Shout out to KD, shout out to Russ and the complete Oklahoma Metropolis group. »
pic.twitter.com/IklQzdJzju– Clémente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) November 18, 2024
This text was initially printed on OKC Thunder Wire: James Harden thanks OKC Thunder for growing his Corridor of Fame profession
