Throughout NBA history, certain players have etched their names into the annals of the league. Wilt Chamberlain was among the first, capturing two championships and four MVP awards. Likewise, Michael Jordan ascended to legendary status with six championships, setting the standard for greatness. Despite their iconic stature, Hakeem Olajuwon made a surprising comparison in 2020 between a Clippers player and these all-time greats.
“Look at his statistics. He’s (James Harden) a player to the level of Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain. It’s something unbelievable in this era. There’s no question about James’ ability as a champion. I think it’s just a matter of time. Any player you put with James Harden, it will work. Because James is such a complete player,” Hakeem Olajuwon said back in 2020, via SportsTalk 790.
James Harden, often the subject of bold comparisons among NBA fans, has undeniably proven himself one of the league’s most talented players. Over the course of 1,151 games, he has consistently averaged 24.2 points, along with 5.6 rebounds and 7.2 assists. His exceptional scoring ability made him the league’s leading scorer for three consecutive seasons, marking the pinnacle of his career.
Although Harden has yet to secure an NBA championship, he went on to become a Houston Rockets legend. During his nine-year tenure with the franchise, he had impressive performances, averaging 29.6 points per game.
James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers reacts during play against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Intuit Dome on April 08, 2025 in Inglewood, California.
However, despite his stellar individual performances, team success at the championship level eluded him. The closest he has come to a championship was in the 2018 Conference Finals, where the Rockets were bested by the formidable Golden State Warriors.
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James Harden’s unexpected move helped Clippers land Brook Lopez and Bradley Beal
To enhance their roster’s competitiveness, the Los Angeles Clippers have added two seasoned NBA veterans: Brook Lopez and Bradley Beal. This move solidifies their position as one of the league’s oldest teams. Despite this age factor, enthusiasm is running high among fans, who view the Clippers as strong contenders in the short term. Notably, James Harden’s decision played a significant role in bringing these two players to Los Angeles.
In a strategic move, Clippers’ president of basketball operations, Lawrence Frank, announced that James Harden opted to decline his player option to renegotiate a lower contract. This decision facilitated the arrival of both Bradley Beal and Brook Lopez in Los Angeles. Harden’s initiative underscores his deep commitment to the team and his burning ambition to secure his first NBA championship, aiming to solidify his legacy before retirement.
