NBA Houston Rockets

5 Reasons Why James Harden Should be an NBA All-Star Starter

5 Reasons James Harden Should be an NBA All-Star Starter

James Harden
Troy Taormina- USA TODAY Sports

Shooting guard James Harden is having a phenomenal season with the Houston Rockets. He’s unquestionably the best two-guard in the game right now and deserving of a starting spot in the Western Conference’s lineup.

5. Leads league in scoring

James Harden
Troy Taormina- USA TODAY Sports

5. Leads league in scoring

James Harden
Troy Taormina- USA TODAY Sports

How can the league-leading scorer in the NBA not be starting in the All-Star Game? Harden has been on a scoring binge for Houston. He is scoring 27.7 points a contest. So far, Harden has scored 30 points 14 times and dropped 40 points three times in the first quarter of the season.

4. Having a career year

James Harden
Chris Humphreys- USA TODAY Sports

4. Having a career year

James Harden
Chris Humphreys- USA TODAY Sports

The bearded one is having himself a career season. He’s posting career-highs in points, three-point percentage, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks. He has improved his game each year since being criticized after the NBA Finals loss. A determined Harden has his sights on returning to the big dance.

3. Best Shooting Guard

James Harden Kobe Bryant
Troy Taormina- USA TODAY Sports

3. Best Shooting Guard

James Harden Kobe Bryant
Troy Taormina- USA TODAY Sports

Harden is posting excellent numbers from the two-spot. The 25-year-old is outplaying Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant and rising star Klay Thompson. The numbers don’t lie. Harden can drive and shoot from anywhere on the court. He’s turning himself into a complete player.

2. Leadership

James Harden Dwight Howard
Chris Humphreys- USA TODAY Sports

2. Leadership

James Harden Dwight Howard
Chris Humphreys- USA TODAY Sports

When Harden was traded to Houston via Oklahoma City, he wanted to be the focal point of a franchise. He has taken the initiative to recruit talented players to Houston and has led them to two straight winning seasons. When fellow star Dwight Howard missed time, Harden carried the team on his back and didn’t miss a beat.

1. MVP Candidate

James Harden
Troy Taormina- USA TODAY

1. MVP Candidate

James Harden
Troy Taormina- USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Rockets currently sit fourth in the Western Conference standings thanks to Harden. He’s putting up career-high numbers this season. His game is evolving and he's quickly becoming a complete player as he keeps getting better in his young career. He’s the most dangerous shooting guard in the NBA. He can power his way inside, shoot the lights out or he can drop a dime to the open man.

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