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NBA Player Power Rankings: Kevin Durant Surpassing LeBron?

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 17, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) is defended by Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) in the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) is defended by Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) in the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 2, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after making a three point basket during the third quarter against the Miami Heat at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 115-102. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after making a three point basket during the third quarter against the Miami Heat at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 115-102. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

10. James Harden, Houston Rockets

Last Rank: No. 10

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 26

Slash Line: .430/.349/.871

Season Averages: 37.3 MPG, 37.3 MPG, 27.9 PPG, 7.1 APG, 6.2 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 2.7 3PM

The Houston Rockets continue to balance winning streaks with losing streaks. That isn’t an exaggeration of events; Houston has won at least two consecutive games seven times this season, and has losing streaks of matching measures an equal seven times.

James Harden’s uncanny ability to go from MVP form to a fish out of water has played a major role in Houston’s consistent inconsistency.

As of late, Harden has righted the ship individually—so much so that it’s hard to place blame upon him for Houston’s continued struggles. He posted 40 points and 11 assists on 12-of-20 shooting in a loss to the Washington Wizards, and tallied 33 points, seven rebounds, and seven dimes in a defeat at the Oklahoma City Thunder.

There’s only so much more a player can do to help his team achieve victory.

Harden’s defensive reputation has been earned, but he’s improved defensively as the season has progressed. Opponents are shooting 46.5 percent when he’s the primary defender, but that’s a difference of just 2.0 percent from their average field goal percentage—a sign that he’s no longer a turnstile.

Harden still has work to do on defense, and Houston has been painfully inconsistent, but he’s No. 2 in the NBA in scoring and the unquestioned best player on a postseason team.

Next: The Undeniable Arrival