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Ranking the top 50 NBA players of the 2021-22 season: 10-1

By Corey Rausch

PORTLAND, OREGON - OCTOBER 04: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts against the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter during the preseason game at Moda Center on October 04, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - OCTOBER 04: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts against the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter during the preseason game at Moda Center on October 04, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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NBA (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
NBA (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Top 50 NBA players ranked: 5. James Harden

Previous Rank: 4

Now that the league is a season removed from the meltdown that led the Houston Rockets to go from one of the most consistent contenders for the top of the league to truly rebuilding, the feelings around James Harden have drastically changed. No longer is he being called a chemistry killer (though some would lob that at one of his current teammates). Finally, at long last, the focus on what he can do on the basketball court while being paired with a scorer on his highly elevated level.

Before last season, Harden had won here straight scoring titles, each over 30 points per game. He was coming off a streak of averaging at least 29 points for five straight seasons. Now finally in a role where he was not the number one option, a dip was to be expected. Following the trade, Harden averaged 24.6 points, 10.9 assists, 8.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. He posted the best effective field goal percentage (54.8 percent) since his final season with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Harden’s life will be the easiest it has been in years. He can remain one of the best passers in the league, capable of leading the league in assists. With Irving likely out for some portion of the season, he is likely to be among the top scorers in the league as well. The Brooklyn Nets are expecting something special this season. Harden is more than capable of delivering.