15 things about James Harden YOU DON’T KNOW. Everyone knows James Harden the All - Star basketball player, elite scorer, MVP, the beard, but not many people know James Harden the person. He is the type to let his game to do the talking and keep everything else out of the spotlight. The team at Playmaker HQ and I decided to find out who James Harden is and where he came from. After learning more about him, it’s shocking that Netflix hasn’t released a mini series on this man’s life What we discovered was compelling and heartfelt childhood stories, a little hidden NBA drama, some funny facts, and a couple of expert facial hair tips, straight from The Beard’s mouth. Other than being a basketball god, James is a family hero, loyal fri end, hometown legend and an inspiration. If #1 doesn’t give you goosebumps, I don’t know what will. Without any further introduction, let’s let these 15 fascinating stories and facts speak for themselves, starting with a shocking choice Harden made while playing in OKC 15. THE 6TH MAN Back during the OKC glory days when James was still a Thunder player in 2012, Coach Scott Brooks asked James Harden if he was ready to join the starting lineup. Much to the surprise, Harden turned down the opportunity because he felt it would hurt the Thunder’s Chemistry heading into the playoffs. 14. LUCKY James Harden found out during an interview for an E:60 special that his mother nicknamed him “Lucky” because she had a rough series of miscarriages before James was born. 13. LOYALTY James Harden received offers from top college basketball programs, includ ing UNC and UCLA. However, James decided to go to ASU to join his high school basketball coach and varsity teammate instead. 12. FAMILY STRUGGLES Growing up with a single mother, James Harden didn’t have a relationship with his father. James couldn’t spend much quality time with his dad when he was a child because James Harden Sr. was continuously in and out of jail following multiple drug charge convictions. 11. PRIORITIES One day, young James Harden was shooting hoops during gym class in middle school when a girl came by to talk to him, only to find that the laser - focused young hooper that had no interest in her. According to James’ mom, she kept flirting with him to get his attention until James threw the basketball at her so she would fi nally get the message and let him practice in peace. 10. BEARD SECRETS James Harden never touches/ maintains his own beard, only his barber works on James’ beard. Also, James Harden has never used any beard oils or supplements, he keeps it 100% natural. 9. NUDIST James Harden’s sister said James had a habit of running around the house naked when he was a kid. 8. BUCKETS James Harden is the only NBA player since the merger to score at least 30 points in 30 consecutive games 7. THE OKC FALLOUT During the start of the 2012 - 13 NBA season, James Harden finally received a contract extension offer from the Thunder for a deal that was worth $6 million less than a max contract. In addition, the Thunder only gave James Harden an hour or two to make his decision. After not giving the Thunder an answer past their deadline, the organization decided to trade James Harden to the Houston Rockets. James admits he was devastated by the trade at the time. Imagine if the Thunder gave James more than just a couple of hours to decide his fate. He probably would have chosen to stay with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook... 6. A GENEROUS GIFT James Harden gave his Oklahoma City house to his sister after he wa traded to Houston so she can raise her kids in o ne of the biggest houses and best neighborhoods in the city. 5. THE BIRTH OF THE BEARD James Harden decided to grow his beard out in college because he was one of the youngest on the team and wanted to look older. Also, James is the youngest of hi s siblings and was tired of looking like the “baby.” 4. JAMES’ TOP 3 BEARDS Among James Hardens favorite beards, a few beards reign supreme: Abe Lincoln, Santa, and ZZ Top. 3. STARTING SPORTS Growing up in a rough neighborhood in Compton, James Harden’s mother was concerned about him being lured in by local gangs. Thus, James’ mom signed him up for sports at a young age to keep him away from bad neighborhood influences after school. 2. FAVORITE FOOD James Harden’s favorite food growing up was the little cheese cubes. His sister said James used to run around the house naked eating cheese cubes all the time when he was young. 1. STAR After struggling as a freshman on the varsity basketball team , Harden wrote his mom a note one night that said: “Could u wake me up at 7:00 and could u leave me a couple of dollars? P.S. keep this paper imma be a star.” I get chills every time I read this. THANK YOU FOR READING.