specuation is running rampant that the beard needs to go..... both figuratively and literally.....
harden without it?
let's take a look:

editorial note: nice "B.B.C." jersey.... no wonder khloe came running after him, with advertising like that.....
another look:

he looks a helluva lot meaner WITH the beard, and like a goofy Don Cheadle without it.....

transformation.....
so, while the rockets contemplate with whether to keep the beard, there is little doubt that Harden himself should not shave the actual beard.....
harden without it?
let's take a look:

editorial note: nice "B.B.C." jersey.... no wonder khloe came running after him, with advertising like that.....
another look:

he looks a helluva lot meaner WITH the beard, and like a goofy Don Cheadle without it.....

transformation.....
so, while the rockets contemplate with whether to keep the beard, there is little doubt that Harden himself should not shave the actual beard.....