2. James Harden, guard, Houston Rockets
James Harden could accomplish a first in NBA history with a big game tonight (via @EliasSports) pic.twitter.com/shbmuYapwh
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) February 7, 2017
Statistically speaking, Harden is having one of the greatest seasons in NBA history. Here’s a dude that’s averaging 28.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 11.4 assists and 1.5 steals while shooting 44 percent from the field, including a 35 percent mark from three-point distance. Those are some amazing stats right there. Though, stats themselves really shouldn’t be the primary determining factor when it comes to the MVP race. This is where Harden has surely picked his game up from season’s past.
Houston currently boasts a 38-17 record and is the third seed in the Western Conference. This comes on the heels of the team sending Dwight Howard packing and replacing him with a variety of players, including Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon to fit into a new system under first-year head coach Mike D’Antoni.
Most figured there would be a learning curve from Harden here. How would he fit into the new scheme? How would he work with the new supporting cast? Those questions have firmly been answered in the affirmative, making Harden one of the top MVP candidates heading into the unofficial second half of the season.