James Harden has added another remarkable achievement to his storied career. ‘The Beard’ moved past one of the greatest three-point shooters and NBA Hall of Famer Ray Allen to secure the second spot on the NBA’s all-time three-pointers list. Hence, it cemented his place among the league’s elite sharpshooters. He came into the Clippers vs. Jazz matchup needing a single make to immortalize his name on the legendary list.

And he did so with a pull-up three in the first quarter. But the night wasn’t just about setting records. He reflected on his illustrious career throughout his NBA journey. After surpassing Allen, Harden paused to give homage to his early NBA roots in Oklahoma City.

He highlighted the influence of former teammates Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, who had a telling influence, on his career at a young age. Talking to reporters post-game, the 10x All-Star said, “They set the blueprint. When I got there, they had the blueprint of how to work… So all I did was just fall right in line.”

“Those three years really helped me in my NBA career because it just gave me a ground base to where I can go off. From that point on, I was so comfortable and confident in myself. When I got traded to Houston, I knew I was gonna be successful … Shoutout to KD, shoutout to Russ, and the whole Oklahoma City organization,” Harden reflected, his words carrying a tone of sincere appreciation.

For one, James Harden was a crucial part of a young core that showcased one of the most promising lineups in NBA history, culminating in the 2012 NBA Finals appearance. KD’s scoring prowess and Westbrook‘s relentless energy defined the Thunder’s dynamic identity. And with a bench role, it helped the 2009 first-round pick to observe and adapt, learning the work ethic and determination required to excel at the highest level.

Things weren’t as perfect as they seemed in paradise—or at least, what should have been one.

Former teammate of James Harden reveals tampering during Olympics led to eventual OKC breakup

Every basketball fan would always wonder how the Thunder would have looked had the 2018 MVP continued alongside Kevin and Russell. It will remain one of those “what-ifs” (think LeBron James as an NFL player). However, it seems there is more to the story than we were privy to. A behind-the-scenes meddling that Harden’s former teammate, Kendrick Perkins, revealed in a recent episode of The Road Trippin’ podcast.

“I remember having this conversation when KD, James Harden, and Russ got back from the Olympics winning the gold,” the ESPN analyst started, setting the stage for what was an untold tale. “He [Durant] said, ‘We’re about to lose James because when was over in the Olympics Bron, D-Wade, all those guys were telling James, ‘Bro you’re too nice bro to be coming off the bench, you’re a number one option, you need to have your own team.’ Two months later, he’s traded to the Rockets. He turned down the contract extension, and the rest is history.”

Absolutely a jaw-dropping twist in Harden’s story!

That said, it might not be right to completely attribute LeBron’s meddling during the 2012 Olympics to the ugly breakup. In a 2014 interview with ESPN’s Hannah Storm, James Harden confessed money was undoubtedly a factor in his exit. In fact, when he was asked if he would still be in Oklahoma City if money wasn’t an issue, he responded in the affirmative.

“Definitely. Definitely. No question.” It would seem the Thunder’s 4-year $55 million offer just didn’t do it for him.

Anyway, 12 years have passed since the Olympics manipulation. And the 3x NBA scoring champion has created a Hall of Fame-worthy resume in the meantime. Although things didn’t work out as OKC envisioned, it’s safe to say that Harden’s journey led him to greatness in his own right.

His time with the Rockets saw him evolve into a bona fide superstar. While his exit from OKC remains a topic of debate, there’s no denying the path he took shaped his legendary career. Whether he stayed in Oklahoma, Harden proved that sometimes, the twists in a player’s journey—both personal and professional, ultimately define their legacy.