NBA Player Power Rankings: Who's Hot, Who's Not?

NBA Player Power Rankings: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not?

January 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after shooting a three-point shot during the fourth quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Hornets 111-101. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 13, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) brings the ball up the court during the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

9. James Harden, Houston Rockets

Last Rank: No. 11

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 26

Slash Line: .419/.332/.867

Season Averages: 37.7 MPG, 28.0 PPG, 6.8 APG, 6.0 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 2.7 3PM

Verdict: Sputtering Flames

James Harden and the Houston Rockets are catching fire, and that’s good news for the NBA. Houston’s five-game winning streak has pushed it to 21-19 on the season, which means only one Western Conference team would make the playoffs with a losing record if the season ended today.

Harden has played an instrumental role in that turnaround.

Harden’s shooting efficiency wavers, and his turnover numbers are painfully high, but the offense is built for that to happen. The 26-year-old often operates in isolation, which creates a larger possibility for failure.

What cannot be denied is that Harden accounts for a high percentage of the Rockets’ offensive production.

Harden is currently averaging 28.0 points and 6.8 assists per game—telling numbers. According to NBA.com, The Bearded One creates 16.6 points per game via his assists.

With 44.6 points accounted for per game, Harden is directly responsible for 42.8 percent of the Rockets’ scoring average.

Next: All The World's Talent