Los Angeles Clippers James Harden, who has made a name for himself as one of greatest shooting guards in NBA history, always manages to land himself in controversies. Despite being highly regarded for his offensive prowess, Harden has been criticized for the Clippers lost to Denver Nuggets 120-101 on May. 3 in the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena.
The guard couldn’t stop the Nuggets’ from winning, calling for the Clippers to relook at their game strategy and players. Harden just gave his team seven points and 13 assists. LA fans couldn’t help but blame ‘The Beard’ for the dismal loss.
Now, word going around is that game against Denver Nuggets, or Game 7 as its called, could be Harden’s last as a Clippers. But its up to LA Clippers’ management to decide the point guard’s future, who turns 36 this August.
Here’s a look at some of the James Harden controversy he has courted over the years.
List of James Harden NBA Controversies
Leaving Houston Rockets
At the top of our James Harden NBA controversies comes the former MVP’s departure from Houston Rockets in 2020. He forced the 4x Western Conference champion to trade him in Nov. 2020 after losing enthusiasm for the team. Harden played for Brooklyn then landed in Philadelphia 76ers.
Cold War with Dwight Howard
NBA would not be complete without cold wars! Like LeBron James and Stephen Curry’s feud, James Harden had a conflict with Dwight Howard, 8x All-Star and teammate at Houston Rockets. Harden didn’t like how Howard dominated the ball this went both ways as the ‘Superman’ didn’t not like being the second-best on the team!
Celebration Gesture
In January, earlier this year, Harden sank to a new low with his gesture in the LA Clippers vs. LA Lakers game wherein he surpassed Oscar Roberston on the all-time scoring list and sealed his team’s win. He pointed his left index finger and made a controversial gesture, supposedly mimicking a firearm trigger motion.
Comment About Luka Doncic
James Harden is not the man to mince his words. In September 2024, the star guard said Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic plays the ‘same exact way’ he played in Houston Rockets. His comments didn’t go down well with All-Star player’s fans and they cornered The Beard saying Luka is not cut from the same cloth! Some even pointed out that Harden bever won a championship in Houston, but he did win a lot of games.
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