Trend or dead-end after the first month of the NBA season
By Nate Friesen
James Harden is going to average 40 PPG
James Harden is possibly the most prolific scorer in NBA history. He is able to get his shot at any time, in any way he wants. He can lull you to sleep and take a step-back 3, use his strength to get a layup, use an elite change of pace to get a mid-range jumper or use his craftiness to get to the free-throw line.
A 40-point triple-double for James Harden is seen as “just another day in the office.” We have become so numb to the absolutely incredible numbers he puts up and even when he is literally averaging 37.9 points per game, Luka Doncic gets more MVP buzz.
If James Harden can actually average 40 points per game for the entire season, there will be no doubt that he will deserve to take home his second MVP award. Especially with the Houston Rockets being among the top of the Western Conference.
However, considering the sheer difficulty of averaging 40 points per game for an entire NBA season, a feat that has only been accomplished by Wilt Chamberlain (twice), it is incredibly unlikely that Harden will do it.
Decision: DEAD-END