James Harden is one of the most elite scorers to ever touch the basketball. The Beard has been on the low ever since his departure from Houston, though his scoring runs have lasted for years. James has finished second in MVP voting about four times. His luck shined in his fifth try back in 2018 when he finally won the well-deserved MVP award.
Though this achievement came after quite a few rough seasons. After his arrival in Houston, James went from averaging 16.8 points in OKC to putting up 26 a night in Houston. This one-season performance jump was huge, and it only kept improving. James went on to lead the team to second-round appearances quite often.
His game kept on rising, though Harden had to eliminate some unnecessary distractions. Being a top scorer in the league, James was just shy of a championship to be considered the best in the game. Still, no one could deny his talents.
James Harden’s numbers improved considerably following his breakup with Khloe Kardashian
Back in 2015, James Harden was dating Khloe Kardashian. The two met at Kanye West’s basketball theme party. Though they broke up after an eight-month relationship. During the course of the couple going out together, James received quite a lot of attention from the media. Two big-time celebrities dating was news for everyone. While Harden wasn’t exactly happy with it. James considered the year 2015, as the worst year of his life.
Harden said, “I didn’t like all the attention. I feel like it was for no reason. I wasn’t getting anything out of it except my name out there and my face out there, and I don’t need that. It wasn’t uncomfortable, but it wasn’t me. I don’t need pictures of myself when I’m driving my car. Who cares? What shoes am I wearing? Who cares? Where am I eating? Who cares? It was unnecessary stuff that I think trickled down to my teammates. I had to eliminate that.”.
Harden and Khloe parted ways soon. From that point on, James was laser-focused on winning a championship. After a Conference Finals appearance in 2015, the Rockets would come back for a rematch against the Warriors three years later.
The Rockets would fall short against the Dubs, going home in seven games. That would be the closest Harden would get to winning a championship. Whereas his decision to part ways with his former partner was indeed beneficial for the Beard. His numbers skyrocketed, as he developed into an even solid scorer. Though till now, James does not have a championship under his name.