James Harden

Throwback Thursday: Beardless James Harden shows his skills for Artesia in 2007

Published Jun. 22, 2016 4:26 p.m. ET

foxsports

James Harden without a beard?

Anarchy!

It's like Steph Curry minus his annoying mouth guard or any sports star missing their trademark look.

Back before Harden was the third overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, he was a superstar at Artesia High School in Lakewood.

Harden led the Pioneers to back-to-back CIF Division III state championships in 2006 and 2007, averaging 18.8 points, 7.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists during his senior season, when he also earned McDonald's All-American honors.

Harden then went on to spend two seasons at Arizona State, earning Pac-10 Player of the Year honors following his sophomore season, before entering the draft.

He spent three seasons with the Thunder before moving onto Houston, where he just completed his fourth year with the Rockets, averaging 29 points (third best in the NBA) and 7.5 assists per game.

Check out the above video to see the beardless Harden in action during his final year at Artesia.