NBA: Ranking Every Team’s Starting Backcourt Heading Into 2016-17

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Jan 7, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and guard Patrick Beverley (2) smile while playing against the Utah Jazz in the second half at Toyota Center. Rockets won 103 to 94. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and guard Patrick Beverley (2) smile while playing against the Utah Jazz in the second half at Toyota Center. Rockets won 103 to 94. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

14. Houston Rockets

Starting Backcourt: Patrick Beverley and James Harden

The sheer brilliance of James Harden lifts this duo into the NBA’s top half of backcourts. Despite his team’s struggles, Harden was one of the best individual players last season, averaging 29.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game.

Even though Harden is by far the dominant player, it would be foolish to ignore his running mate in Patrick Beverley.

Beverley has been a defensive pest since his inception into the NBA and has polished himself into a solid three-point shooter, which he proved last year with his 40 percent clip from downtown.

Next: No. 13