James Harden, the 11-time All-Star and 2018 Kia MVP, is nearing Carmelo Anthony's total for 10th place on the NBA's all-time scoring list. The Clippers guard reflects on his unlikely path to this milestone after 17 seasons. At age 36, he continues to average 27 points per game.
James Harden's journey to the NBA's top 10 all-time scorers has been marked by persistence and adaptation. Drafted third overall in 2009 by Oklahoma City, Harden started as a bench player behind Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. In his first three seasons with the Thunder, he scored 2,795 points total, averaging under 10 as a rookie and 12 in his second year.
The 2012 trade to Houston changed everything. Under coach Mike D’Antoni, Harden became the offensive focal point, leading the league in scoring three consecutive seasons with 30-plus points each time. He has since notched 2,818 points in the 2018-19 season alone. Now on his fifth team with the Los Angeles Clippers, Harden ranks second all-time in 3-pointers made behind Stephen Curry.
Reflecting on the milestone, Harden said, “No way that I got the opportunity to be a part of this list. Man, it’s literally like a dream come true, all the work that I put in, coming to fruition.” He credits his step-back move for much of his success, noting, “The separation. Now I feel I have an advantage to where, if you’re too far away, I can shoot it or get by you.”
At his peak from 2017-20 in Houston, Harden was nearly unguardable one-on-one. Despite not being the most athletic—standing 6-foot-5 and rarely dunking—he has endured 17 seasons. Clippers coach Ty Lue praised his routine: “We think he’s doing too much (practice work) but it’s his routine since he’s been in the league.”
Harden is set to pass Shaquille O’Neal's 28,596 points this season for ninth place. Averaging about 1,400 points annually in recent years, he could climb higher, potentially reaching Wilt Chamberlain or Dirk Nowitzki. “I’m just taking it one year at a time,” Harden said.