Houston Rockets: ESPN 2013 #NBARank

Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Ranked 26th last season by ESPN in their 2012 ESPN NBA RANK, James Harden climbs 22 spots to 4th place. Yes, I said the Houston Rockets have the 4th best player in the NBA after, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Chris Paul.

Last season, Harden became the fourth different player in NBA history to average at least 25 points, 5.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game at the age of 23 or younger. The only younger players to do so are LeBron James, Michael Jordan and Oscar Robertson. — ESPN Stats & Information (@ESPNStatsInfo)

James finished second in free throw attempts last season, only 5 behind his buddy Kevin Durant. Harden was fourth in total points (2023) and seventh in steals (142). The only negative mark was that Harden lead the league in turnovers (295).

With the addition of Dwight Howard, James is poised to have another stellar season, and once again represent the Western Conference in the All-Star game for the second time. With the opportunity to take part in training camp with the Rockets this off-season the number of turnovers should drop (Harden had 7 turnovers in a ore-season game against the Dallas Mavericks) but the team will once again rely heavily on his scoring. Where Harden goes the Rockets will follow, and here’s hoping that this season is just as amazing as last years.