NBA fans must be stunned to hear that James Harden has accomplished something in his NBA career that even basketball legends like LeBron James and Stephen Curry have been unable to do. As many fans might be aware, Harden has been given a lot of attention from the NBA media for trying to force his way out of the Philadelphia 76ers.
Although the exact reasons why have not been confirmed, many believe that it is due to the fact that he was not being offered a maximum contract as he was promised in the past. Therefore, the 10x NBA all-star has called out 76ers president Daryl Morey and has made it clear that he will no longer be a part of the 76ers organization and work with Morey.
Many fans and media members decided to take shots at Harden for wanting to force his way out of yet another unfavorable situation. However, one might just be able to argue that he should be given the freedom to leave considering his accomplishments. That said, let us take a closer look and find out more.
Has James Harden ever missed the NBA playoffs?
NBA fans know how the season usually unfolds. 30 teams face off for an 82-game regular season. Then, the best 8 teams from each conference begin the NBA playoffs. Therefore, half the league begins its offseason in April while the contenders have to play for a few months more.
Harden has been in the league for 14 years now. Veteran fans will remember that he spent the first three years of his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder. James then took his talents to the Rockets where he turned into an MVP-caliber player. After spending 9 seasons with the team, he asked for a trade, joining Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving with the Brooklyn Nets.
When things didn’t work out there, he found his way to the Philadelphia 76ers. Throughout this entire time frame, there has not been a single year where James Harden has failed to make the NBA playoffs.
Even NBA legends like Stephen Curry or LeBron James have missed the playoffs at some point in their career. It was either due to injuries or having bad teams. However, this has never happened to the Beard ever since he stepped onto an NBA court.
James Harden reaching the postseason has been inevitable 😤
(h/t @NBAcrazystats) pic.twitter.com/qsChOF7FaE
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) September 5, 2023
While this is quite an impressive accomplishment, fans will continue to discredit James Harden by reminding everyone that he does not have an NBA championship. That is the very reason that he has shifted teams multiple times throughout his NBA career.
