It usually take a lot for a non-Philadelphia athlete to earn my support. But for some players, it really just takes a beard. James Harden is the NBAs most prominent free agent during the 2020 NBA offseason, and has engrained himself as one of the league’s most dominant superstars. James Harden was the league MVP in 2018, and averaged a whopping 35 points this past season.
In order to be the last athlete featured in my blog, you have to do more than win an MVP and average unreal per game stats. You have to have drip while you do it. James Harden certainly does. Donned “The Beard” by players across the league, Harden brings a great mix of style and subtleness when he steps onto the court. Lets take a look!
The most glaring part of James Hardens look is without a doubt his beard. Since his arrival into the league, harden has kept a pristine black beard that has become his trademark look. The nice part about this beard is although it is definitely a statement, it is extremely clean cut and well kept, which is unusual when compared to many other athletes, who go for length over structure. “The Beard” has become a great marketing piece for both Hardens brand and the branding of the Houston Rockets. Growing up, all my friends would dress up as James harden for Halloween simply by throwing on a jersey and wearing a big black beard.
Although the beard is near and dear to Harden’s heart, he says he would cut it!
“Oh yea, I would cut it. I mean because it’s going to grow right back. Yeah, $10 million minimum (to charity) is where I am like ‘alright, i’ll do it.’” – Sportscasting
Harden’s drip is so much more than the Beard, however. On The court Harden plays it subtle, but still shows signs of his fashion. Harden often flexes his own signature shoes, and brings a retro look to the court. He is known for wearing league issued headbands as well!
Although his style on the court is of a relatively soft-spoken nature, he loves to dress off of the court. Harden recently did a GQ photoshoot with his teammate Russell Westbrook, who himself is a famous NBA dresser. Check It Out:
Unfortunately, it seems that this duo will not be staying together much longer. Both Russell Westbrook and James Harden have requested trades from the Rockets. Harden has since become the first person in sports history to turn down a 50 MILLION (per year) contract. Wow, he could buy a lot more chains with that money. Of course I’m hoping that The Beard laces up in Philadelphia, but I have a feeling we will see James join Kyrie and Kevin Durant in Brooklyn next season. Either way, the beard won’t be left behind in Houston.
Your blogs always surprise me with how you manage to come up with something so creative each week! I have loved reading it and you’ve made me realize how much more there is to sports! The beard is definitely a fun look!
I have to agree with Katherine. You effortlessly combine fashion and sports for an interesting weekly read. And, again, this week I was not disappointed! I have learned a lot about how athletes can make political and social statements through their clothes from reading your blog. Thanks for the fashion/sport education, Dan!
This beard is too good omg. How does eat without getting food in it though😳. I also loved how often you the colloquial term “drip” during this post. I’ve always appreciated reading your blog. You always incorporate these two seemingly different subjects (fashion and sports) effortlessly!