2 years ago, Harden was a legitimate MVP candidate. Currently, is he even a top 5 player in the league? LeBron James Kevin Durant Russell Westbrook Stephen Curry Kawhi Leonard I didn't even include Anthony Davis. Thoughts?
All those guys could be legitimate MVP candidates including Harden. I wouldn't say Westbrook is definitively better than him. I wouldn't trade Harden for him straight up. I'm also not sure Kawhi is the type of player that can put a team on his back by himself and Anthony Davis hasn't accomplished anything yet. Harden fits in that group that will be in an MVP conversation if their team is performing. I'll take that.
Top 7 overall Top 5 most nights, he just needs that consistency in terms of energy, effort, and leadership
Even Curry wouldnt let Corey Brewer drop 50 on him. Top 5 offensive sure. Top 5 counting both ends? No way.
Lebron KD Steph Westbrook Those are the only guys that I'd rather have on my team above Harden. So for me, I'd say yes. It's a close call between Kawhi and James though.
LeBron, Steph, and Durant are definitely above him. You could make an argument that Westbrook is a little better. Here's my top 5: 1. LeBron 2. Steph 3. KD 4. Harden 5. Westbrook
If Harden plays at least decent defense he's not worse than Curry, Durant and Westbrick, in fact i'd take Harden before those three guys IF he's ready o play both ends decently. Imo the only player one step ahead of him (and everyone else) is Lebron.
I think he's a top five player when you consider impact to the team. If you put Anthony Davis or Kawhi Leonard on any version of the last four years Rocket's team (without Harden) I'm not convinced you even have a playoff team.
This and I don't think replacing harden with kd, steph, or WB would have made us better last year. And harden woudn't have made their teams worse as well.