Who else did you expect to see at the top spot? Not only has James Harden solidified himself as the NBA’s top combo guard, he’s one of the league’s best — period. His skill set is one of a select few from each generation that will change the game forever.
Step-back threes are now a quintessential part of seemingly every pickup game. Prioritizing 3-point shots and free throws is a strategy most perimeter players in the NBA now also employ. Love him or hate him, his game has proven to be just as marketable as his iconic beard.
Harden has led the league in scoring two years straight now. He put up an astronomical 36.1 points per game last year, good for seventh best all-time — behind only Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan. It goes without saying that he’s now part of a very elusive group in that regard.
The year prior, Harden also led the league in assists. Across his seven seasons in Houston, he has averaged an unfathomable 61.0 true shooting percentage. He has led the league in Win Shares in four of the last five seasons. These are video game numbers.
Although he’s only won a single MVP award, no team in the NBA relies as much on a single player like Houston does Harden — and his insane 40.5 usage rate will support that notion. It may be annoying to see a player go the line a dozen times per game, but how can you fault the player for exploiting a system in which the NBA has clearly drifted towards soft fouls?
It’s time we recognize greatness while it’s still here, because Harden is going to go down as a transcendental talent that changed the game forever. He is truly one of the best of our generation, perhaps even of all-time.