James Harden is from California, but it’s no secret that Houston has adopted him as one of their own. The Beard loves H-town, and Houston gives him the love right back. He’s the best basketball player in the city since Hakeem Olajuwon, and his place in Houston sports history is secure, title or no title.
The team is paying him between $30-$46 million per season between now and when his contract is up in 2023, the team’s entire philosophy on-court is centered around Harden’s strengths, and he apparently even had a say in bringing former MVP and ex-Oklahoma City Thunder teammate Russell Westbrook aboard this summer.