May 12, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard
James Harden(13) dribbles against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first quarter in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs. at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Shooting Guards:
Warriors: Klay Thompson, Justin Holiday, Leandro Barbosa, & Brandon Rush
Rockets: James Harden…
Technically speaking, Andre Iguodala should be slotted in here at the two because that’s what he’s listed as on the Warriors’ roster. The Rockets should have Jason Terry here as well, for the exact same reason. However, seeing as both of those two spend far more time at other spots on the floor due to the personnel surrounding them, we’ll count them at the 3 & 1 respectively.
Now it’s no secret that I was a huge supporter of James Harden as the league’s MVP (although I certainly do respect the decision to choose Steph Curry instead). He is the entire Houston Rockets offense night in and night out. Say what you will about how defensive play, or more appropriately the lack-there-of, but the man can score the basketball like few others in the world.
By all accounts Klay Thompson is on the cusp of becoming a superstar in his own right as arguably the best 3 & D guy the league has seeing in years. Along with him, the Warriors have a host of other solid role players that they can pair with Curry in the backcourt for stretches to give a different look offensively.
However despite their talent and depth, at this point James Harden alone trumps all other teams’ shooting guard rotations.
Advantage: Houston Rockets
Next: Small Forward