James Harden Family Tree: The Story Behind The Beard

James Edward Harden Jr., born 26 August 1989 in Bellflower, California, USA, is the Los Angeles Clippers guard — 2017–18 NBA MVP; three-time NBA scoring champion (2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20); two NBA Sixth Man of the Year (2011–12).

The Family's Roots: An African-American Compton Family

The Harden family is African-American from Compton/Bellflower, Los Angeles.

His Parents

Father: James Harden Sr. — was largely absent from James's life due to imprisonment for drug-related offences.

Mother: Monja Willis Harden — single mother; raised James largely alone in LA; the central figure in his life.

His Siblings

Akili Roberson — elder half-brother.

A younger sister.

His Personal Life

James has been linked publicly to many partners but has never married and has no children publicly acknowledged.

The Harden Family Tree at a Glance

Family Origins: African-American; Compton/Bellflower, LA.

Father: James Harden Sr. — largely absent; imprisoned.

Mother: Monja Willis Harden — single mother; central figure.

Brother: Akili Roberson (elder half-brother).

James Harden Jr.:

  • Born 26 August 1989, Bellflower
  • Artesia High School, Lakewood, CA
  • Arizona State University (2007–09)
  • Drafted 3rd overall by Oklahoma City Thunder, 2009
  • OKC: 2009–12; NBA Sixth Man of the Year: 2011–12
  • Houston Rockets: 2012–2020 — defining 8 years
  • NBA scoring titles: 2017–18 (30.4 PPG), 2018–19 (36.1 PPG — highest single-season since MJ 1986–87), 2019–20 (34.3 PPG)
  • NBA MVP: 2017–18
  • Brooklyn Nets: 2021–22; Philadelphia 76ers: 2022–23 (NBA assists title); LA Clippers: from 2023–24
  • 11 NBA All-Star selections
  • 2024 Paris Olympics: USA gold medal (his second)

What the Harden Family Story Teaches Us

A largely-absent father imprisoned for drug offences. A single mother who raised James alone. Two siblings. A career that produced an MVP and three scoring titles.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the James Harden story carries the same lesson. Single mothers raising future NBA stars is on many family records. Monja Willis's role is on the Harden family record alongside every scoring title.

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