2. James Harden
Age: 26
2015-2016 Season Averages: 29.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 1.7 steals
Shooting Percentages: .439/.359/.860
James Harden might be the best offensive player in the NBA. That being said he is a dreadful defender, which is why he sits at no. 2 instead of no. 1.
As far as entertainment value, Harden might be the funnest player to watch in the world today. His offensive skill set is as complete as it gets.
Seriously, what can’t this guy do on the offensive end of the court? He can shoot from anywhere past half-court, can drive, can pass, and can finish in traffic. Harden is a shooting guard that serves as a point guard on offense and his teams can put up points in a hurry. In the pick-and-roll, he might be the best in the NBA. His full arsenal is on full display in those situations, when he can drive, pull-up, and dish it to the roller. Harden loves to run-and-gun and his offense alone can keep the Rockets in games. He is a stat-sheet stuffer, where he can go for 50 points and 10 assists on any given night. He is also a great rebounder for his position, making him a triple double candidate at any time.
Don’t let the steals average fool you, Harden is an awful defender. Too many times do you see Harden just play lazy defense. He is a human turn-style and gives up way too many easy buckets. Teams resemble their star player and while Houston is a good offensive team, they are horrible defensively. If Harden picks up the intensity on that end of the floor, his team will be better and he will be #1 on this list.
Harden is in for an even bigger offensive season with Mike D’Antoni taking over as coach. The Rockets are going to be one of the most entertaining teams in the NBA with that combo. Harden is a once-in-a-generation offensive talent, but his defense holds him to #2 on this list.
Next: No. 1: The Silent Killer