In the second season of Starting 5, LA Clippers’ franchise superstar James Harden is one of the five NBA players starring. Various memorable moments were presented from episode one to eight, but in the third episode, Harden shared that for the right price, he would shave his beard.
"Whoever offering the big bucks, come on... come on with it. I'll sign a contract now."James Harden
This is shocking to hear from Harden, as his beard is more than just facial hair; it is his brand, personality, and a part of the way he carries himself on a day-to-day basis. In fact, fans and people of the NBA community recognize the 11-time All-Star for his look, given that no one else in the league even comes close to such a persona.
Thus, if a contract were signed where Harden’s demands were met, the national media would go wild seeing Harden have a clean face without facial hair for the first time in well over a decade.
The right price for James Harden to shave his beard must not be underestimated
Would it affect James Harden’s ability to show up each game and get buckets any differently if his beard were gone? Likely not, but fans of the LA Clippers and every player in the league would be shook to their core if the former MVP shaved, as most will not even be able to tell who he is.
Moreover, Harden developed his signature mark through countless iconic moments in history, such as massive scoring feats with the Houston Rockets, countless All-NBA selections, and myriad game-winners. He even drew a nickname that anyone across the world would be able to recall: “The Beard.”
Additionally, Harden’s facial hair is such a staple that brands like the “Beard Club” have him as the face of their marketing. This is the most innovative strategy they could implement, as connecting with the veteran guard could elevate their sales to unprecedented levels.
Furthermore, when Harden mentions there is a price requirement for him to opt for a different look, he is likely referring to hundreds of thousands of dollars, and possibly millions. This is fair with all things considered.
That said, Harden will likely not decide this anytime soon, but many have long been curious to see what it would take for him to let go of his memorable look. The response given should answer all questions, and in retrospect, it was unsurprising that he would agree for some extra earnings.