Houston Rockets star James Harden is one of the best scorers of his era, and his signature step-back jumper is one of the most effective moves in the NBA.
About a week ago, Harden debuted his one-legged three in a pickup game. It was his usual step-back, but he added a wrinkle to it by shooting off one leg. In a story published Saturday from ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Harden said he wants his step-back jumper to be remembered among other historic signature moves.
“I’m not sure; it’s something that I work on,” Harden said when asked if he’ll use the one-legged, step-back 3 this season. “But you know how Mike [Jordan] has his fadeaway and Dirk [Nowitzki] has his one-leg and [Kareem Abdul-Jabbar] had the sky hook, I want my step-back to be one of those moves that last forever. So when I travel around the world and I see little kids that [say], ‘Hey James, I got a step-back!’ — I love to see that.”
Harden’s step-back jumper is fluid. When he gets defenders on their heels, that usually means it’s over for them, and all they can do is contest the shot. As time goes on, Harden’s step-back will likely be remembered along with other moves such as Rockets legend Hakeem Olajuwon’s “Dream Shake” and Allen Iverson’s mesmerizing crossover.
Harden spoke with MacMahon about the step-back when he was giving back to Houston on Saturday with his third annual JH-Town Weekend charity. He gave bicycles to children at Tuffly Park, and the weekend event also included a concert and a comedy show, along with a celebrity softball game Sunday. The event helps raise money for Harden’s foundation, 3 The Harden Way.
Along with his charity event this weekend, Harden will also donate more than $240,000 to the city of Houston to renovate outdoor basketball courts in under-served areas that were damaged by Hurricane Harvey.
