James Harden has never missed the playoffs in his career and it doesn’t look he’s going to do it until the last two or three years of it. The Beard has led the Houston Rockets to be one of the most competitive teams in the league and many people believe they should have a ring if Chris Paul didn’t get hurt in the 2018 Western Conference Finals. Harden has taken this team to the next level since he landed in Texas, doing something that no other team has done it.
Ever since he was traded to the Rockets from the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2012, Harden hasn’t missed the postseason with his team, being the only side in the NBA to never missed the playoffs over that span. The other 29 teams have done it, including the all-powerful Golden State Warriors and the San Antonio Spurs.
Missed playoffs by teams:
- Atlanta Hawks: 2017-20
- Boston Celtics: 2013-14
- Brooklyn Nets: 2015-18
- Charlotte Hornets: 2012-13, 2014-15, 2016-20
- Chicago Bulls: 2015-16, 2017-20
- Cleveland Cavaliers: 2012-14, 2018-20
- Dallas Mavericks: 2012-13, 2016-19
- Denver Nuggets: 2013-18
- Detroit Pistons: 2012-15, 2016-18, 2019-20
- Golden State Warriors: 2019-20
- Indiana Pacers: 2014-15
- Los Angeles Clippers: 2017-18
- Los Angeles Lakers: 2013-19
- Miami Heat: 2014-15, 2016-17, 2018-19
- Minnesota Timberwolves: 2012-17, 2018-20
- Memphis Grizzlies: 2017-20
- Milwaukee Bucks: 2013-14, 2015-16
- New Orleans Pelicans: 2012-14, 2015-17, 2018-20
- New York Knicks: 2013-20
- Orlando Magic: 2012-18
- Oklahoma City Thunder: 2014-15
- Philadelphia 76ers: 2012-17
- Phoenix Suns: 2012-20
- Portland Trail Blazers: 2012-13
- San Antonio Spurs: 2019-20
- Sacramento Kings: 2012-20
- Toronto Raptors: 2012-13
- Utah Jazz: 2012-16
- Washington Wizards: 2012-13, 2015-16, 2018-20
As soon as he landed in Houston, he made an impact on the team, improving their record from 34 wins to 45 in his first season. Before his arrival, the Rockets had missed three straight postseason but Harden was that savior they needed to compete again.
Not even the San Antonio Spurs could keep their playoffs streak alive during this time, and the Warriors had a terrible 2019/20 season that saw them have the worst record in the league. Even though Harden is accused of being a choker in the playoffs, the man is always there, he always takes his team to the party, although things have never gotten in their favor.
This season, nothing changed for them. Their small-ball strategy didn’t work in one of the last chances Harden will get to win the NBA championship.
Credit: Reddit
