NBA: Player Rankings – Week 8

12. James Harden (SG, Houston Rockets) 

Dec 18, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) shoots the ball during the first quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Richardson-USA TODAY Sports

It seems almost comical at this point that the Thunder traded away James Harden two years ago because they did not want to give him a max contract. Someone go ask Sam Presti (OKC general manager) if he wants a do-over, I’m sure the Rockets would oblige. After leaving the Thunder, James Harden proved he was a superstar in this league. So far this season Harden has averaged 23.9 points, 5.6 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game. He did struggle a bit to put the ball in the basket this week as Howard took on most of the offensive duties. With all the drama surrounding Dwight Howard, I don’t think it has affected James too much. Harden is one of the most dynamic scorers in the league who can get to the basket any time he wants. But what makes him so great is that he constantly makes the players around him better (take notes Melo).