The Rise of a Sixth Man Legend

Selected third overall in the 2009 NBA Draft, James Harden arrived in Oklahoma City as the final piece of what would become one of basketball's most iconic trios. Initially playing second fiddle to Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, the bearded rookie quietly honed his craft. By his third season, Harden transformed into the league's most dangerous reserve, averaging 16.8 points on elite 49.1% shooting - numbers that earned him the 2012 Sixth Man of the Year award by the widest voting margin in NBA history.

Architect of Thunder's First Finals Run

Playoff Heroics

Harden's true value shone brightest during the Thunder's 2012 playoff surge. His 20-point masterpiece in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals against San Antonio propelled OKC to a crucial 3-2 series lead. Earlier in the first round, he'd dismantled the defending champion Dallas Mavericks with clutch fourth-quarter performances that foreshadowed his future stardom.

Offensive Juggernaut

The left-handed Guard's 125.4 offensive rating during that playoff run remains etched in Thunder history - a testament to his ability to elevate his game when stakes were highest. His unique blend of crafty drives, step-back threes, and playmaking savvy gave Oklahoma City an offensive dimension no other bench unit could match.

The Trade That Changed Everything

Despite reaching the 2012 NBA Finals, financial constraints led to Harden's shocking departure. The Thunder's decision to trade their sixth man to Houston for Kevin Martin and draft picks (which eventually yielded Steven Adams) remains one of sports' most debated "what-if" scenarios. Oklahoma City lost more than a talented scorer - they sacrificed the league's best secondary playmaker and a unique closing lineup weapon.

Legacy Beyond the Box Score

While Harden's MVP seasons and scoring titles came in Houston, his Thunder tenure shaped modern NBA strategy. Oklahoma City's success with a three-guard lineup featuring two future MVPs and a sixth man extraordinaire revolutionized how teams build around young talent. Though Sporting News ranks Harden eighth among Thunder greats, his iNFLuence on the franchise's identity as a breeding ground for explosive perimeter talent endures.

Today, as Harden continues rewriting record books, his Oklahoma City years stand as proof that greatness can emerge from unexpected roles. The Sixth Man of the Year trophy that launched his career now symbolizes both the Thunder's golden era and the championship potential they left unrealized.