Just a general thread on James Harden. You realize he's putting up the 3rd best stats in the entire league?? The only two players with a higher EFF are LeBron (an insane 32.2) and Durant (equally insane 31.0)
Technically Varejao (who was averaging 14 points, 14 boards, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals) was 3rd with a inflated EFF of 25.2, but I didn't see that lasting.
Next is Harden with 24.1. He's having a better season than Westbook. Currently averaging 26.5 points, 5.7 assists, 4.8 rebounds, 1.9 steals on 45% shooting 36% from three and 86% from the line. Kind of outrageous considering he was coming off the bench last year for OKC.
The best shooting guards by year:
2011/12 - #1 Wade (22.0) #2 Kobe (21.4)
2010/11 - #1 Wade (24.7) #2 Kobe (21.4)
2009/10 - #1 Wade (25.1) #2 Kobe (22.9)
2008/09 - #1 Wade (29.3) #2 Kobe (24.2)
2007/08 - #1 Kobe (26.6) #2 Iverson (23.5)
2006/07 - #1 Kobe (27.6) #2 Wade (27.1)
2005/06 - #1 Kobe (27.7) #2 Wade (26.9)
2004/05 - #1 Iverson (24.9) #2 Kobe (24.3)
If Harden keeps this up, it'll be the first time in a long time that someone other than Wade, Kobe or Iverson arguably takes the "best shooting guard in the league" title. Granted, this has a little to do with the fact that shooting guards are a dying breed. We're in the midst of a point guard boom. After Harden, Wade (21.1) and Kobe (23.7)... who is the next best?... Curry (20.7) is kinda a PG. Paul George (19.7) is kinda a SF. Same with Pierce (18.3). I think next on the list is OJ Mayo (16.7). Rough.