3 struggling NBA players who need to step it up this season

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 01: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on December 1, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

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Nov 30, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) grabs a loose ball against a diving New York Knicks guard Evan Fournier (13) during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Struggling NBA players who need to step it up: James Harden

When the NBA changed some of its officiating rules over the summer, there was a good chance that it would negatively impact certain players. James Harden is one of those players.

This year the number of fouls he’s received – and free throws because of them – has dropped drastically. This has affected his overall output and certainly doesn’t help the Brooklyn Nets.

But Harden isn’t just lacking with the free throws. As the season started, he was only putting up 16.6 points and 8 assists a game. Those are good numbers, but they aren’t good by James Harden’s standards.

Additionally, he’s been having a lot of problems with his turnovers. He’s had a career-high five turnovers a game, tied with Russell Westbrook for the most in the league. It’s no wonder that Brooklyn fans were booing Harden at home just a few nights ago.

Thankfully, things seem to be turning around for Harden. The other night he put up 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists against the Knicks. He is starting to play like his old self again. However, he still producing 5 turnovers a night.