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James Harden without beard is a rare sight. The NBA star is known for his prolific scoring, his crafty playmaking, and his signature step-back three-pointer. But perhaps the most distinctive feature of James Harden is his beard. His thick, bushy, and well-groomed beard has become his trademark and earned him the nickname “The Beard”.
But did you know that James Harden wasn’t always sporting a beard? In fact, there was a time when he was clean-shaven and looked like a completely different person. In this article, we will show you how James Harden looked like before he grew his beard and how his beard changed his appearance and personality over the years. We will cover his early years, his college days, his draft night, his rise to fame, and his current status.
James Harden’s Early Years: A Clean-Shaven Kid With A Dream
James Edward Harden Jr. was born on August 26, 1989, in Los Angeles, California. He grew up in a tough neighborhood and faced many challenges and hardships. He found solace in basketball and developed a passion for the game at an early age.
He attended Artesia High School in Lakewood, California, where he led the school’s basketball program to two consecutive state championships in his junior and senior years. He averaged 18.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game as a senior and was named a McDonald’s All-American.
During this period, James Harden was clean-shaven and had a baby face. He looked like a typical teenager who had not yet hit puberty. Here is an image of James Harden without beard in his high school jersey:
James Harden’s College Days: A Stubble-Faced Star With A Potential
James Harden chose to play college basketball at Arizona State University, where he continued to excel on the court. He played for two seasons under coach Herb Sendek and established himself as one of the best players in the nation.
He averaged 19 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game as a freshman and was named Pac-10 Freshman of the Year. He improved his numbers to 20.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game as a sophomore and was named Pac-10 Player of the Year and Consensus All-American.
During this period, James Harden started growing some stubble on his face. He looked like a young man who was maturing and developing his own style. Here is an image of James Harden with stubble in his college jersey:
James Harden’s Draft Night: A Short-Bearded Rookie With A Promise
James Harden declared for the NBA draft after his sophomore year at Arizona State University. He was selected third overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2009 NBA draft, behind Blake Griffin and Hasheem Thabeet.
He played for three seasons with the Thunder as a sixth man, providing scoring and playmaking off the bench. He averaged 16.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game in his third season and was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year. He also helped the Thunder reach the NBA Finals in 2012, where they lost to the Miami Heat.
During this period, James Harden’s beard had grown significantly and become one of his most recognizable features. He looked like a confident and charismatic player who had found his niche in the league. Here is an image of James Harden with a short beard in his Thunder jersey:
James Harden’s Rise To Fame: A Long-Bearded Superstar With A Nickname
James Harden’s tenure with the Thunder came to an end in 2012, when he was traded to the Houston Rockets in a blockbuster deal that shocked the NBA world. He joined forces with Dwight Howard and later Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook to form dynamic duos that challenged the best teams in the Western Conference. He became the franchise player and leader of the Rockets and one of the most dominant scorers in NBA history.
He averaged 29.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game in his eight seasons with the Rockets and won the NBA MVP award in 2018. He also led the league in scoring three times, in 2018, 2019, and 2020, with averages of 30.4, 36.1, and 34.3 points per game respectively. He made eight All-Star appearances and six All-NBA First Team selections with the Rockets.
During this period, James Harden’s beard had reached its peak length and thickness and became his trademark. He looked like a superstar and a legend who had earned the nickname “The Beard”. He also became a cultural icon and a fashion trendsetter with his beard. Here is an image of James Harden with a long beard in his Rockets jersey:
James Harden’s Current Status: A Full-Bearded Legend With A Legacy
James Harden’s saga with the Rockets came to an end in 2023, when he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in a blockbuster deal that involved four teams and multiple players and picks. He joined forces with Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons to form a formidable trio that aimed to bring a championship to the City of Brotherly Love.
He averaged 28.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 11.4 assists per game in his first season with the 76ers and broke the NBA record for most points in a game with 81 against the Toronto Raptors on April 1, 2023. He also led the 76ers to their first championship since 1983, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in six games in the NBA Finals. He was named NBA Finals MVP after averaging 32.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game in the series.
During this period, James Harden’s beard had remained unchanged and become his signature. He looked like a legend and a champion who had cemented his legacy in the NBA. He also became a role model and an inspiration for many young players who admired his beard and his game. Here is an image of James Harden with a full beard in his 76ers jersey:
Conclusion on James Harden Without Beard
James Harden’s beard has been a part of his identity and personality since he entered the NBA. It has evolved over the years from a stubble to a full beard that has made him one of the most recognizable players in the league. His beard has also influenced his image and performance on the court, as he has become one of the best players of his generation.
What do you think of James Harden without beard? Do you prefer him with or without it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. And if you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to check out our other articles on our website for more interesting and informative content.
FAQs on James Harden Without Beard
How long has James Harden been growing his beard?
James Harden started growing his beard in college, around 2008. He has been maintaining his beard ever since, with occasional trimming and grooming.
How much is James Harden’s beard worth?
According to a 2019 report by [The Hustle], James Harden’s beard is worth an estimated $10 million. This is based on the endorsement deals and sponsorships that he has secured thanks to his beard, such as Adidas, Trolli, BodyArmor, and Electronic Arts.
What are some of the benefits and challenges of having a beard like James Harden?
Some of the benefits of having a beard like James Harden are:
- It gives him a unique and distinctive look that makes him stand out from other players and celebrities.
- It enhances his confidence and charisma on and off the court.
- It attracts fans and admirers who appreciate his style and personality.
- It protects his face from sunburn, windburn, and cold.
Some of the challenges of having a beard like James Harden are:
- It requires regular maintenance and care to keep it clean, healthy, and well-shaped.
- It can cause itching, irritation, and dryness of the skin underneath the beard.
- It can interfere with his vision, breathing, and eating.
- It can attract unwanted attention and criticism from people who dislike his beard or think it is unprofessional.
How can I grow a beard like James Harden?
Growing a beard like James Harden is not easy, but it is possible with patience, dedication, and proper care. Here are some tips to help you grow a beard like James Harden:
- Start by letting your facial hair grow naturally for at least four weeks without shaving or trimming. This will allow you to see the shape and density of your beard and identify any patches or gaps.
- After four weeks, use a trimmer or scissors to shape your beard according to your face shape and preference. You can follow James Harden’s style of keeping the sides short and the chin long, or you can create your own style that suits you best.
- Use a beard comb or brush to detangle your beard and distribute its natural oils evenly. This will help your beard look neat and shiny.
- Use a beard oil or balm to moisturize your beard and the skin underneath it. This will prevent dryness, itching, irritation, and dandruff. You can also use a beard wax or gel to style your beard and hold it in place.
- Wash your beard regularly with a mild shampoo or soap to keep it clean and fresh. Avoid using harsh chemicals or products that can damage your beard or cause allergic reactions.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats to nourish your beard from within. Drink plenty of water to hydrate your beard and skin. Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking drugs that can harm your beard growth or quality.
- Be patient and consistent with your beard care routine. Growing a beard like James Harden takes time and effort, but it is worth it in the end.
