Houston Rockets: 2016-17 Season Outlook, Predictions

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Mar 9, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) talks with guard Jason Terry (31) and forward Clint Capela (15) and forward Montrezl Harrell (35) during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Houston Rockets won 118-104. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Three Key Storylines: 3. Can Harden Lead Again?

Despite putting up 29.0 points, 7.5 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game last year, James Harden didn’t make a single All-NBA team. Why? Because his defensive effort was atrocious for most of the season, his team won only 41 games and his leadership left a great deal to be desired.

The Rockets spent their whole summer upgrading an already impressive offense, they got the right coach for the job and they even gave Harden a four-year, $118 million extension this summer, but none of it matters if the Beard doesn’t play with some charisma this season.

Last year, it was no secret that Harden and Dwight Howard didn’t get along. Harden’s defensive effort was entirely discouraging after actually trying the season before, when he finished second in MVP voting. His reputation was tarnished around the league, and his team unsurprisingly bowed out in five games in the first round of the playoffs.

With a new contract, a new head coach and plenty of people to prove wrong, 2016-17 is all about Harden becoming a leader like he was in 2014-15, when Houston reached the Western Conference Finals.

Under Mike D, there’s no question Harden will be able to put up elite numbers. But will he actually try on the defensive end with no Dwight Howard protecting the rim? Will he set the example for new arrivals like Gordon and Anderson? Will he embrace the challenge of being Mike D’s lead facilitator and become a legitimate leader for his franchise?

James Harden he's spoken with Mike D'Antoni the last couple of days about being more of a playmaker.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) June 23, 2016

So far, the early returns are promising. Harden has organized summer workouts for his teammates to try and build the chemistry and camaraderie that wasn’t there last year. He won’t be coming into training camp out of shape like last year and Mike D’s system will give him every opportunity to be successful.

But now that Harden has some help around him on the offensive end of the floor, there’s no excuse for half-assing it on the other end.

If he brings the defensive focus and sets an example, the Rockets will be in a better place, because as has been the case for the last few seasons, their success depends largely on what kind of season the Beard turns in.

Next: Best, Worst Case Scenarios

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