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NBA Player Power Rankings: Top 20 Players at Midway Point

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts on the bench in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts on the bench in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 20, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) argues a call with official Ken Murray (41) while playing against the Detroit Pistons in the second half at Toyota Center. Pistons won 123 to 114. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) argues a call with official Ken Murray (41) while playing against the Detroit Pistons in the second half at Toyota Center. Pistons won 123 to 114. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

11. James Harden, Houston Rockets

Last Rank: No. 9

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 26

Slash Line: .419/.333/.861

Season Averages: 37.5 MPG, 27.6 PPG, 6.9 APG, 6.0 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 2.7 3PM

James Harden and the Houston Rockets have an uncanny ability to go from scorching hot to ice cold with no warning whatsoever. Fresh off of a five-game winning streak, the Rockets have lost three of four.

Harden’s numbers have looked good, but his inability—or refusal—to play consistent defense is rubbing off on the team.

Over the past two regulation games, Harden’s Rockets allowed a combined 263 points—an average of 131.5 per contest. During those outings, Harden’s positional matchups, J.J. Redick and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, scored 40 and 22 points, respectively.

Harden’s individual offensive play is tremendous, but his defense has been just as poor.

Harden posted video games numbers against the Pistons, recording 33 points, 17 rebounds, and 14 assists. He also shot 2-of-10 with eight turnovers and five personal fouls in a 91-77 loss to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Harden is the toughest player in the NBA to evaluate. He’s elite offensively, and just as bad on defense.

Next: The Return to the Postseason?