James Harden is famous for his deadly step-back jumper, impressive three-point shooting, and signature facial fuzz.
The Los Angeles Clippers star is known around the NBA as 'The Beard' and has rocked his patented look for as long as people can remember.
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But once upon a time the former NBA MVP was a baby-faced boy looking to make it in the pros.
Before he became an NBA superstar, Harden was an up and coming basketball player at Artesia High School in Lakewood, California.
During his high school days, he was invited to play in the 2007 McDonald's All-American Game where he starred alongside future NBA stars Kevin Love and Michael Beasley.
Fast forward several years and Harden was honing his skills at Arizona State.
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Harden averaged 20 points per game in his second season with the Sun Devils as his beard started to take shape. However, at this point of his life, that iconic facial hair was still in its infancy.
Harden’s older brother, Akili Roberson, once joked that Harden initially started growing his beard because he wanted to compete with him.
"To be truthful I think he started growing a beard because he saw mine coming in and he got hair on his face," Robersonsaid.
However, the Clippers man disagreed.
"You see his beard? It’s terrible, I didn’t get it from him, I just got it. I didn’t get it from him,” Harden said.
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Harden was subsequently drafted third overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2009 NBA Draft.
His draft day photo showcased just how far he and his beard had come from his high school days.
Throwback to Charles Barkley getting roasted during first appearance on 'Inside the NBA' in 2000
It was in OKC where both Harden's NBA career and facial hair really began to take off.
The uniquely skilled guard first made a name for himself as a Sixth Man, while his beard grew a reputation of its own.
"Fear the Beard" became a popular mantra whenever Harden came to town.
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The volume on Harden's facial hair began to increase playing alongside Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, transforming into the impressive entity it is today.
After losing to the LeBron James-led Miami Heat in the 2012 NBA Finals, Harden sought a new challenge and a more integral role. He joined the Houston Rockets which changed the trajectory of his career and catapulted him into superstardom.
Harden averaged 25.9 points per game in his first season with the Rockets. By this point, he was combining his signature beard with a sharp-looking mohawk haircut.
The 10x NBA All-Star would flourish into the game's premier scorer in Houston, and was rewarded for his efforts with the 2018 MVP award.
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Across the 2017, 2018, and 2019 seasons his beard grew to its fullest.
By the time Harden joined the Nets and 76ers, his facial hair was more manicured than before but undoubtedly still one of the best in the game.
'The Beard' was named to theNBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021, but so far postseason success has eluded him.
That looked to change before last season when he was traded to the LA Clippers in November to play alongside Kawi Leonard and Paul George.
Individually, it was a great debut season in Tinseltown for Harden.
He passed the likes of Patrick Ewing, Jerry West and Vince Carter for 20th place on the league's all-time scoring list with 25,885.
Harden also joined LeBron,Oscar Robertson, and Russell Westbrook as only the the fourth player in NBA history to achieve at least 25,000 career points, 7,000 career assists, and 6,000 career rebounds.
The Clippers finished the 2023/24 season with a 51-31 record and the fourth seed out West.
However, they lost in the first round of the postseason to Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks - who are now in the NBA Finals.
Since then, Harden has been enjoying his offseason and recently wentviral for his hilarious reaction to his girlfriend catching the bride's bouquet at Rajon Rondo's wedding.
Harden's girlfriend Paije Speight appeared excited but cameras panned to a shocked Harden, who stared and looked dead ahead without blinking.
The 34-year-old was able to see the funny side and later used a meme of his face to promote his wine company, J-Harden Wines.
He announced the news that his wines will be available in over 15,000 7-Eleven stores this summer with a pic of his shocked expression.
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"Second slide," commented teammate Norman Powell with two laughing emojis.
Harden is expected to return to the Clips next season where they will aim to win their first world championship.
