May 27, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13, left) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward
Draymond Green(23, right) during the second quarter in game five of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Rockets 104-90 to advance to the NBA Finals. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
4. James Harden
2014-15 Stats: 27.4 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 7.0 APG, 48% FG, 38% 3PT, 26.7 PER
I may be one of the few out there that believe James Harden should have won MVP last season. I know Curry had a fantastic season, but where would the Rockets have been without The Beard? Dwight Howard was banged up and yet, with his motley crew of supporting characters, Harden carried the Rockets to the No. 2 seed and the Western Conference Finals in a very incredible Western Conference.
Not bad, eh? Listen, I know the qualms that people have with him. He is not all that exciting to watch. I mean the guy was just downright unwatchable sometimes. At times it seemed he just built his own condominium at the free throw line. With that being said, that should not go against his overall efficiency and impact on a game. Sure, I would rather watch Steph Curry hit crazy 3-pointers all day long, but Harden was unbelievable last year.
So unbelievable that his peers voted him the MVP at the Players Choice Awards. That has to count for something, right?
When considering his ranking, I have to admit I wanted to rank him higher. The thing is he has a lot better of a supporting cast now. The addition of Ty Lawson changes things. Harden will not have to carry the team nearly as much as he did last season. That is the best thing for the Rockets…but not for Harden’s MVP chances.
It has already been made clear that Harden will not be as ball dominant as he was last season, which means more spot-up opportunities for a guy who thrives when having the ball in his hands.
With his new $200 million shoe deal with Adidas and his troubling relationship with one of the Kardashian sisters (highway to the danger zone), there has been some fun being poked at Harden as of late. Let’s not even talk about “the curse” by Lil B. If his priorities are straight, he is still a top 5 player in the NBA.
His stats may take a hit with a healthier roster and Lawson now on board, but he will still be in the mix for the MVP. It may not pretty, but who wouldn’t take ugly efficiency that leads to wins over highlight plays that can’t help you advance in the playoffs (I am looking at you, Los Angeles Clippers).
Next: No. 3