NBA: What Every Team Should Be Thankful For In 2016-17

Oct 29, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (middle) during the national anthem before a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (middle) during the national anthem before a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 9, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard
Nov 9, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard

Houston Rockets

James Harden

If nothing else, the Houston Rockets have James Harden. When Dwight Howard elected to leave the Rockets this past summer, the team’s saving grace was Harden. And he’s going to continue to be for quite some time – Harden signed an extension that will keep him with the Rockets until at least 2019.

Based on this season, that was a great move. Under the right system, Harden is proving that he can, once again, be in the conversation for best three of four players in the NBA. He’s putting up insane numbers and, if the Rockets can muster out enough wins, will find himself right back in the NBA MVP race.