NBA
James Harden has never missed the playoffs in his 14-year NBA career
James is a Basketball Insiders contributor. He earned his bachelor's degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University. James enjoys watching sports and helping gamblers win money.
All posts by James FoglioUpdated28 Sep 2023
James Harden has never missed the playoffs in his entire 14-year NBA career. Harden, 34, was selected third overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2009 NBA Draft out of Arizona State University.
The California native spent his first three seasons (2009-12) with OKC before getting traded to the Houston Rockets ahead of the 2012-13 season. The 6-foot-5 guard played nine seasons (2012-21) with Houston.
The seven-time All-NBA member had three first-round exits with the Rockets.
In January 2021, Houston then traded Harden to the Brooklyn Nets. The 10-time All-Star was reunited with former Thunder teammate Kevin Durant in Brooklyn. Although, it was short-lived.
Of course, the Nets later dealt Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers in February 2022. The three-time scoring champ almost completed two full seasons with Brooklyn. Check out Harden’s full playoff history below.
James Harden’s 14-year career NBA Playoffs history
Year |
Age |
NBA Team |
Round |
Opponent |
W/L |
|
2010 |
20 | Oklahoma City Thunder | WC1 | Los Angeles Lakers |
L (2-4) |
|
2011 |
21 | Oklahoma City Thunder | WCF | Dallas Mavericks | L (1-4) |
|
2012 |
22 | Oklahoma City Thunder | FIN | Miami Heat |
L (1-4) |
|
2013 |
23 | Houston Rockets | WC1 | Oklahoma City Thunder |
L (2-4) |
|
2014 |
24 | Houston Rockets | WC1 | Portland Trail Blazers |
L (2-4) |
|
2015 |
25 | Houston Rockets | WCF | Golden State Warriors |
L (1-4) |
|
2016 |
26 | Houston Rockets | WC1 | Golden State Warriors |
L (1-4) |
|
2017 |
27 | Houston Rockets | WCS | San Antonio Spurs |
L (2-4) |
|
2018 |
28 | Houston Rockets | WCF | Golden State Warriors |
L 3-4) |
|
2019 |
29 | Houston Rockets | WCS | Golden State Warriors |
L (2-4) |
|
2020 |
30 | Houston Rockets | WCS | Los Angeles Lakers |
L (1-4) |
|
2021 |
31 | Brooklyn Nets | ECS | Milwaukee Bucks |
L (3-4) |
|
2022 |
32 | Philadelphia 76ers | ECS | Miami Heat |
L (2-4) |
|
2023 |
33 | Philadelphia 76ers | ECS | Boston Celtics |
L (3-4) |
While James Harden has yet to win an NBA championship, at least he can say that he’s never missed the playoffs. Harden is among the 20 greatest NBA players to never win a ring, along with Elgin Baylor, John Stockton, Karl Malone, Patrick Ewing, Allen Iverson, Chris Paul, George Gervin, Steve Nash, Vince Carter, and others.
Harden is aiming to become the seventh player in league history to make the postseason in 15 straight seasons. If the Sixers make the playoffs next season, the former Net will join Karl Malone (19), Stockton (19), Tony Parker (17), Scottie Pippen (16), Robert Horry (16), and Clyde Drexler (15).
Horry retired with seven NBA championship rings (1994, 1995, 2000-02, 2005, 2007) won with the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and San Antonio Spurs over his 16-year career.
Instead of remaining on that top 20 list, James Harden would much rather win a championship soon.
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