Whereas it took Allen 1,300 video games to tally 2,973 3-pointers, Harden took second place in 1,086 video games.
A couple of weeks later, Harden inserted his title within the historical past books as soon as extra together with his very good taking pictures. Throughout a 126-122 victory over the Nuggets on Dec. 1, Harden drained six three-pointers and joined Steph Curry as the one NBA gamers to surpass 3,000 three-pointers made.
The achievement capped a standout week for the 35-year-old guard. Harden scored 43 factors — his most as a Clipper — in a street win over the Wizards on Nov. 27, his a centesimal profession sport of 40 or extra. He joined Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan as the one gamers to perform that feat.
The spectacular feat wasn’t the one profession milestone for Harden in that Wizards matchup, both. The Clippers guard dropped 31 factors within the first half, surpassing Kobe Bryant for probably the most 30+ level halves in NBA historical past, per StatMamba.
Now, after an explosive begin to the yr, Harden is shortly approaching fifteenth on the NBA’s career list in points and ranks 14th in assists. The one different participant who ranks within the prime 15 in scoring, assists and three-pointers made — showing on all three lists — is LeBron James.
With a Hall of Fame-worthy resume that features 10 All-Star alternatives, three scoring titles, a Sixth Man of the 12 months award, the second-most three-pointers made and the illustrious Most Precious Participant award, Harden is inarguably among the many all-time nice taking pictures guards.
The controversy will get fascinating due to his potential rating within the prime three behind Jordan and Bryant. There is no scarcity of NBA guards worthy of becoming a member of the all-time prime three with Jordan and Bryant.
Basketball Corridor of Famers Reggie Miller, Clyde Drexler and Vince Carter come to thoughts as potential options. Nevertheless, Harden has a extra spectacular physique of labor than these aforementioned legends.
Frankly, Harden’s greatest competitors for the esteemed top-three taking pictures guard acclaim is his former NBA Finals opponent, Dwyane Wade.
The fiery debate involving Wade and Harden was sparked by a current episode of the “Club 520” podcast. Created by former All-Star Jeff Teague and co-hosts DJ Wells and Bishop Hendricks, “Membership 520″ has routinely gone viral up to now yr for its discussions surrounding basketball and popular culture.
In a current episode, Teague’s daring take about Harden was listed within the video description: “Jeff makes the case that James Harden is the third biggest NBA taking pictures guard of all time, forward of Miami Warmth legend Dwyane Wade, and trailing solely Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.”
Whereas Teague’s opinion is daring, it isn’t with out benefit.
Throughout Wade’s embellished 16-year NBA profession, the Chicago native received three NBA championships and was a 13-time All-Star. Nonetheless, regardless of his achievements, one may argue that Harden has loved a extra spectacular profession.
Harden is a three-time NBA scoring champion — one thing Wade achieved simply as soon as in 2009. Harden can be a a lot better shooter than Wade, as evidenced by his 3,000-plus profession three-pointers. Harden can be a former Sixth Man of the 12 months and Most Precious Participant award winner, one thing Wade by no means achieved within the NBA.
Whereas Wade’s defensive prowess could encourage some to rank him over Harden, the twigentle of their careers might be the distinction. At age 35, Wade was declining as an athlete and scorer. He averaged 18.3 factors per sport with the Bulls — a powerful determine for his age however a noticeable dip from his prime. Moreover, in his final two NBA campaigns, Wade averaged a meager 13.3 factors per sport.
In the meantime, Harden is faring significantly better in his bout in opposition to Father Time. Ought to Harden keep his torrid tempo this season, the Clippers guard would change into simply the ninth participant in NBA historical past to average 20+ points per game at 35 years or older. Plus, in contrast to Wade, whose sport was predicated on athleticism, Harden may proceed to get buckets at a excessive price deep into his profession.
It is nonetheless too early to inform, however when the mud settles, the 10-time All-Star might be thought of the third-best taking pictures guard of all time.
