Shooting Guards
PPG APG RPG
James Harden
31.1 8.7 5.6
Career
23.2 6.1 5.1
My explanation of selecting James Harden last year was kindif a back handed compliment. It was like I was saying the only reason I was selecting him was because of this and because of that. This year I want to acknowledge the brilliance of James Harden’s offensive game. He can score from anywhere on the court and is tough cover for anyone. Plus he did make an attempt to play defense last season. I think his willingness to play defense came with the addition of Chris Paul. I think the Houston Rockets felt like they had a chance to win the NBA Championship last year. With their NBA best regular season record, other people thought the same thing. Count me out as one of those people who thought that. Even if Chris Paul was healthy, I don’t think that they would have beat Golden State in the playoffs last season. Despite all of that, I don’t want to take any props away from James Harden. I still have my reservations about his game but they will not be written down this year.
Jimmy Butler
20.1 3.7 4.9
Career
16.5 3.4 4.9
Last season I selected four Golden State Warriors players in my top ten list. Although I got some flak for that, I do not regret it. This season, Jimmy Butler is the first sign that will not happen again. Jimmy Buckets has proven himself worthy of my Top Ten list this season.
In comparison to Klay Thompson he has the edge. He is not a better shooter, but a better scorer. He has better defense than Klay and is better finisher. I still don’t think he is the first option on the team, but he is damn good second option.