Kendrick Perkins recently told the story of how James Harden was persuaded to leave the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2012. During the 2012 Olympics, Harden joined Team USA, where he played alongside his then Thunder teammate Kevin Durant and other notable names like LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. Although Harden’s talent was undeniable, he played more of a supporting role for OKC at the time. However, that changed after his teammates gave him some advice.
Perkins revealed that James, Wade and several of Harden’s other teammates played a role in his move to the Houston Rockets during the 2012-13 NBA season. The former NBA veteran said Durant told him Harden was leaving after winning gold at the 2012 Olympics. And indeed, the bearded supporting actor became a superstar and changed the landscape of the league.
(Kevin Durant) said, ‘Man, (we’re) about to lose (Harden),'” Perkins said. “At the Olympics, (LeBron James, Dwyane Wade) all those guys said to James, ‘Brother, (you’re) too nice to come off the bench… You need your own team.’
James Harden became a superstar
When James Harden was still playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder, many recognized his potential to become a superstar. While playing for the Thunder, he averaged 12.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals. His best season was the 2011-12 NBA season, when he averaged 16.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.0 steals per game. That year, everyone recognized his talent. He was named Sixth Man of the Year and helped the Thunder reach the 2012 NBA Finals.
Related newsArticle continues below
Harden was then invited to play in the 2012 Olympics along with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. It was a bittersweet moment that OKC fans were unaware of at the time, considering it was the last time they would see their trio play together.
Harden played for the Houston Rockets in the 2012/13 NBA season. The bearded superstar made an immediate impression and proved that he had what it takes to carry his own team. From an average of less than 20 points per game, he managed 25.9 points, 5.8 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 1.8 steals in his first year as a Rocket. His surge in numbers earned him his first All-Star nomination.
Harden lived up to the expectations of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade at the 2012 Olympics, winning NBA regular season MVP, NBA All-Star MVP, and being named to seven All-NBA teams.
