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Houston Rockets: James Harden 2016-17 season review

By Eric Spyropoulos

Nov 21, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles the ball up the court during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles the ball up the court during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the 2016-17 NBA season officially in the books for the Houston Rockets, let’s take a look back and review how the season went for James Harden.

The 2016-17 season ended with a whimper for the Houston Rockets and James Harden. After their embarrassing Game 6 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, many were left with a sour taste in their mouths regarding the season.

However, many fans aren’t truly appreciating the successful season that Houston had, especially considering the expectations and circumstances. This was the first season with Mike D’Antoni as head coach. This was the first season with three new key rotational players in Eric Gordon, Ryan Anderson, and Nene. And this was the first season at point guard for Harden.

That last circumstance is also the most interesting. While Harden was used to having the ball in his hands a lot and playmaking for others in previous seasons, it wasn’t the same as running the entire offense, especially a D’Antoni offense. Could Harden actually be better next season? It’s not out of the question at all.

Harden was incredible for the Rockets this season, averaging 29.1 points, 11.2 assists and 8.1 rebounds per game. He also posted impressive advanced statistics such as his 27.3 Player Efficiency Rating, 61.3 true shooting percentage, and a league-leading 15.0 win shares.

Rockets fans were already aware of Harden’s brilliant playmaking ability, but many doubters were surprised by his ability to run the offense and create for others. Each Rockets game presented an opportunity to witness one of the league’s best passers run the ship like an experienced point guard:

Harden’s passing was a pleasant surprise to many, as was his increased focus on leadership and being a good teammate. Countless times throughout the season Harden was quoted saying coach D’Antoni was a “best friend” of his, while other teammates like Gordon and Anderson praised Harden’s dedication to being a good leader and teammate.

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    • Now of course, Harden didn’t play the perfect season over the past nine months. He broke his own record for turnovers in a season (464) as he averaged 5.7 per game. Also, while Harden’s defensive effort improved, it was average at best for the most part.

    However, Harden can certainly improve on both aspects. As mentioned previously, this was Harden’s first season running the point in the NBA, making it likely he will be even more comfortable running Mike D’Antoni’s system next season. Also, Harden threw 3/4 length passes way too often, especially after made baskets. If Harden were to improve his decision-making on such passes, he could cut his turnovers down to around four per game.

    On the defensive end, Harden will never be any sort of lockdown defender, and that’s all right with the effort he expends on offense. The Rockets will settle for Harden’s effort on defense this past season. He was an average defender for the most part, with stretches of laziness and poor attention. However, plenty of other stars in the league are not immune to resting on defense, including another MVP frontrunner, Russell Westbrook.

    Players like Harden and Westbrook often exert so much energy on offense they need to slightly rest on defense in order to be most effective. Their respective teams understand that necessity.

    In the end, 2016-17 was a very successful season for Harden and the Houston Rockets. The Beard altered previous narratives around him by putting up historic numbers, improving as a teammate and leader, and leading the Rockets to a tough second round loss to the Spurs.

    Next: 2017 NBA Mock Draft: Post-Lottery edition

    Houston will have the ability to improve its team this offseason, and with James Harden having another year under his belt at point guard with his new teammates, there is no reason he and the Rockets can’t improve on their successful 2016-17 season moving forward.

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