Denver Nuggets: Why they need to trade for James Harden

Offensive Consistency

The biggest season to go after James Harden is his dependability (at least during the games). The Nuggets have struggled to start the season because Jamal Murray has reverted to what he was during the regular season last year. His efficiency is clearly improved but he disappears at times. He has had three games already that he attempted less than 10 shots.

Being the biggest offensive force outside of Nikola Jokic means that that is not tenable. They are top five in offensive efficiency to start the season but as defenses lock in more during the playoffs that will almost certainly drop.

Harden slides in here nicely and gives you a player who can drop 44 points as soon as he gets out of the Health and Safety protocols. He has led the league in scoring for three straight seasons for a reason.  His current average (26.0 points per game) is his worst mark in seven seasons. It is also still good for 13th in the league.

He attempts the fifth most 3-pointers per game (9.4) and would add a much needed boost to a team currently sitting in 18th in 3-point attempts. On a night where Nikola Jokic is feeling like more of a facilitator Harden is there to step up. If Murray is off or passive it will not affect the bottom line of team offense nearly as much. It will also give Denver the chance to play more dynamic two-guard systems with Murray and Harden playing off of each other.