ONE OF 10 PLAYERS IN LEAGUE HISTORY WITH AT LEAST 20,000 POINTS, 5,000 REBOUNDS AND 6,000 ASSISTS
THIRD ALWAYS IN NBA HISTORY MADE IN THREE POINTS
PHILADELPHIA – JULY 27, 2022 – Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey announced today that the team has re-signed 10-time All-Star and 13-year NBA veteran James Harden. Per team policy, the terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Today I celebrate with Sixers fans everywhere we announce that James Harden – former MVP, ten-time All-Star and three-time scoring champion – has re-signed to the team,” said Managing Partner Josh Harris. “James stands out as an elite playmaker and feared goalscorer, and his dedication to the team reflects his commitment to bringing a championship to this city. We recognize that winning a title is not an easy task, but I am proud of the work our organization has done on this off-season and I look forward to the season ahead.”
Acquired by the 76ers as part of a five-player trade with the Nets on February 10, 2022, Harden averaged 22.0 points (0.410 FG, 0.330 3FG, 0.877 FT), 7.7 rebounds, 10.3 assists, 1. 3 steals and 37.2 minutes in 65 games played (all starts) between Brooklyn and Philadelphia in 2021-22. The 13-year veteran was one of two NBA players to score at least 1,400 points, 500 rebounds and 600 assists last season, making him the fifth player in league history to achieve that feat three times (Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson, LeBron James, Russell Westbrook).
Philadelphia starting lineups featured a league-best 20.2 net rating after Harden’s arrival to the team.
“I want to be here. This is where I want to win and I think we have the pieces to achieve that goal,” said Harden. “From my first day with the 76ers organization, the team and the fans have helped me feel at home here in Philadelphia. I’m excited to build on last season and can’t wait to get out on the field with the boys and start this journey.”
Harden scored a total of 442 points, 149 rebounds and 220 assists in his 21 games with the 76ers. He is the only player in league history to have made such totals in their first 21 games with a new team. He also did that with the Brooklyn Nets in 2020-21.
Last season, Harden surpassed Hall of Famer Reggie Miller to reach third place all-time in three-pointers made. He also posted 11 triple-doubles last season, the third highest in the NBA. For his career, Harden has the eighth most triple-doubles in league history with 69.
“I couldn’t be happier with James’ decision to commit to our organization. Over the past two years, we’ve made great strides toward our ultimate goal of becoming champions,” said 76ers Head Coach Doc Rivers. “James shares our drive to win a title, and he believes a 76er will help him the best chance of doing so. . Together we will work tirelessly to achieve our goal.”
All told, Harden played in 942 games (728 starts) with Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Houston and Oklahoma City and has averaged 24.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game.
“James Harden is one of the greatest players in NBA history and a future Hall of Famer. His mission is to win an NBA title and we are excited that he will continue that journey here in Philadelphia. He is one of the best goalscorers and passers to have ever played, and his knowledge of the game allows him to dissect defenses and make everyone around him better,” said Morey. “James’ dedication to winning continues to resonate across our organization, and I believe we’ve only scratched the surface of what’s possible in his partnership with Joel and this talented roster. This is an exciting time for our franchise.”
Prior to last season with the Nets and 76ers, Harden spent parts of nine seasons (2012-21) with the Rockets. During that time, Harden was named the 2017-18 NBA MVP after leading the NBA in points per game (30.4) and finishing third in assists (8.8). He was also among the top three votes for the 2016-20 award every season. Harden finished his career in Houston as the franchise’s all-time leader in three-pointers (2,029), free throws (5,554), and assists (4,796), while finishing second in team history with 18,365 total points and third with 1,087 steals.
Harden, a three-time NBA scoring champion (2018-20) and NBA sixth man of the year (2011-12), is one of four players in league history to have had at least three seasons with an average of at least 20 points, five rebounds and 10 assists. The only other players to do this more than once are Russell Westbrook (five times) and Hall of Famers Magic Johnson (three times) and Oscar Robertson (five times). His 2018-19 average of 36.1 points per game was the second highest of any player since the start of the 1970-71 season, behind Hall of Famer Michael Jordan’s average of 37.1 in 1986-87 .
As a member of the NBA’s 75th anniversary team, Harden helped lead the 76ers to their fifth consecutive playoff appearance.