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It was the summer of 2007, and young James Harden was determined to make a name for himself on the basketball court.
The rising high school sophomore was beginning to blossom at Artesia High School in Lakewood, California, and he was eager to show his teammates and opponents what he could do.
Harden quickly established himself as one of the best players in the area. He was a bruising combo guard with a lethal jumper, and he seemed to have no fear when it came time to take on bigger players.
So how tall was James Harden at 15?
Towering above his peers and blessed with an ungodly wingspan, he had the size and athleticism to play any position on the floor. But what made Harden so special was his basketball IQ; he was able to make plays that most players couldn’t dream up.
Read on to find out how tall James Harden was at 15 and how his game has evolved since then!
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How Tall Was James Harden at 15?
At 15, James Harden was already 6’3″ and well on his way to becoming the player we know today. He had all the physical tools necessary to dominate on the court, and he used them to his advantage.
He was a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the floor, and he quickly became one of the most sought-after players in the country. Harden’s game has changed a lot since he was 15. He’s grown into his body and learned how to use his size.
He’s also developed a much more refined skillset, and he’s now one of the best perimeter shooters in the NBA. His vertical jump is also astonishing.
James Harden High School Career
James Harden, who’s famous for his love for headphones, was a star player at Artesia High School in Lakewood, California. By 18, he was a 6’5″ shooting guard known for his scoring ability.
He averaged 18.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game in his senior year.
He was named a McDonald’s All-American and was ranked as one of the top high school players in the country. Harden led Artesia to the state championship and a 33-1 record.
James Harden NCAA Dominance
James Harden arrived at Arizona State University in 2007 as a highly-touted freshman.
He immediately made an impact, averaging 17.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.
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As a sophomore, he upped his numbers to 20.1 points and 5.6 rebounds, and he began to draw national attention for his scoring prowess.
He was named a First Team All-American, and he was widely regarded as one of the best players in college basketball.
How Does James Harden Use His Body To Score?
Besides his towering height, James Harden is one of the most prolific scorers in the NBA today, and a big part of his success is due to his impressive physicality.
At 6’5″, he has the size to body up smaller defenders and the strength to power through contact.
He also has a very long wingspan, which allows him to get his shot off over defenders trying to block it.
Additionally, Harden is an excellent athlete who can create separation with his quickness and explosiveness. When he gets into the paint, he uses his body well to shield defenders from the ball and give himself space to finish at the rim.
These physical gifts make Harden a tough cover for any defender, and they help him produce points consistently.
He uses his body so well – almost like a battle tank – to draw contact and get to the free-throw line that he has become one of the most efficient scorers in NBA history.
On average, Harden attempts nearly 16.6 free throws per game, which is more than any other player in the league.
He uses a lot of step-backs and change of pace dribbles to create separation from defenders, and he’s not afraid to absorb contact when he goes to the basket.
As a result, defenders often struggle to stay in front of him, and they are often forced to foul him to prevent easy scores.
Watch this video to see how James Harden uses his body to draw fouls:
How Tall Is James Harden Now?
James Harden is now 6’5″, and he’s still growing into his frame. However, he’s added some muscle since high school, and he now has the strength to body up bigger players.
His wingspan remains impressive, and he uses it to his advantage on both ends of the floor.
Harden’s NBA Career
James Harden was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the third overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft.
He played a limited role during his first two seasons with the team, averaging just under 10 points per game.
However, he began to emerge as a star player during the 2011-12 season, averaging over 25 points and 5 assists per game.
He was subsequently traded to the Houston Rockets in 2012, where he has established himself as one of the league’s top scorers.
Harden was named to six All-Star teams and won the NBA’s Most Valuable Player Award.
He currently ranks sixth all-time in scoring average and is widely considered one of the greatest offensive shooting guards in NBA history.
Current James Harden Weight Concerns
James Harden’s recent struggles have many NBA fans wondering if his weight issues are to blame.
The former MVP has always been on the heavier side, but he’s looked incredibly sluggish this season.
His performance on the court has suffered as a result, and the Philadelphia 76’ers lost to the Miami Heat in the second round.
While it’s impossible to say whether or not Harden’s weight is affecting his play, it’s clear that something isn’t right.
Did James Harden Have a Beard In High School?
No, James Harden did not have a beard in high school. He didn’t start growing one until he was an Arizona State Sundevil.