James Harden enters 2026-27 season 661 points shy of 30,000

Cavs guard would become the ninth player to hit the mark.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 1h1 min read

James Harden needs 661 points to become the ninth player in NBA history to reach 30,000 career points. He also needs 189 Via @NBAPR on X

What happened: Harden also sits 189 assists behind Isiah Thomas for 10th place on the NBA's all-time list entering the 2026-27 campaign. He begins the pursuit when the Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Philadelphia 76ers for their regular-season opener.

Why it matters: Reaching both thresholds would place Harden inside the top 10 in career assists alongside 30,000-point club membership. Harden re-signed with the Cavaliers on a multi-year deal on Sept. 8 ahead of camp.

By the numbers: 661: Points needed to reach 30,000 career points (9th in NBA history). 189: Assists needed to pass Isiah Thomas for 10th on the NBA all-time assists list.

What to watch: Cleveland travels to Philadelphia to tip off the 2026-27 regular season.

Sources

@NBAPR 2026-10-15T15:35:21.485515+00:00

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