5. James Harden and Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets
This is the only duo on this list not guaranteed to make it the rest of the season playing for the same team. Rumors are swirling that Howard is unhappy with his role in Houston and that he wants out, which is bringing up trade discussions in the media and likely in the front office as well.
Although the Houston Rockets are drastically underperforming this year, Harden and Howard should still be a powerful force.
At odds with James Harden, Dwight Howard again must prove worth as teammate https://t.co/bs4Rmf0Qh3 pic.twitter.com/JzHDXS2Vtn
— Bleacher Report NBA (@BR_NBA) December 18, 2015
Harden is an elite playmaker on the offensive end that excels running the pick and roll, something Howard was made to do. While Dwight has always wanted to get the ball on the block and go to work, but he has never developed the back-to-the-basket game necessary to become that player.
At this stage in his career, he plays best rolling to the rim and finishing off lobs. Howard’s capability at the defensive end also makes up for Harden’s apparent disinterest on defense and covers up a lot of mistakes made. If both of these players are able to perform to their potential, the Rockets would jump back into championship contention in no time.
Next: Change of the Guard in L.A.