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NBA Power Rankings: All 30 Starting Shooting Guards

By Shane Young

January 17, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade (3) guards Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) in the second half of the game at the Staples Center. Heat won 99-90. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
January 17, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade (3) guards Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) in the second half of the game at the Staples Center. Heat won 99-90. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA Power Rankings
Apr 4, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) drives the ball to the basket during the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

2.  James Harden — Houston Rockets

Playing in the most explosive offensive system, Harden can be reminded each and every day of why he made the right decision.  Sam Presti and the Thunder gave Harden one hour to decide whether or not to request a trade to Houston and receive more money, or re-sign with Oklahoma City for less dollars.

The choice was hard at the time, but I believe Harden would do it all over again.  Being the go-to guy and reaching the top five in scoring for two straight seasons is something he wouldn’t have achieved next to his two buddies that love to shoot, and that’s what Harden is all about.

Wait, don’t tell me … “Harden isn’t all about scoring, he just wants to win!”  Please, does someone who is biting at the bit, fighting for their life, and desperate for winning play this kind of defense?

But, obviously he’s doing something right to be receiving tons of national praise each year for his contributions.  Face it, he’s one of the best scoring two-guards we’ve seen in a while.  There’s no disputing it, because of how easily and graciously he gets to the foul line.

Harden storms his way into the paint, euro-stepping anything in his path.  Being a southpaw, he’s able to switch hands and finish on either side of the rim, throwing frontcourt players off guard.  Finishing through contact is something he’s picked up on since coming over to Houston, and that was expected due to his aggressive driving style.

No other shooting guard was within 230 of Harden in terms of free throws made last season.  230.  7.9 free throws made per game is the level Harden is currently at, only behind former teammate Durant for best in the league.

Winning comes easier when you can outscore your opponent, but it just so happens Houston couldn’t defend Portland in the first round if Harden’s beard depended on it.

Kevin McHale has to become more disciplined with what he allows out there, and those changes are coming.  He’s not being embarrassed once more.  If Harden can get back to caring about what happens on the other end, he’ll be one of the best shooting guards this league has seen.

We say that because he’s only about to begin his sixth year.  Ridiculous how fast these cats get started.