Ranking 76ers’ James Harden and the top 30 NBA point guards
We’re halfway through another NBA season. With the trade deadline looming, teams are evaluating their ability to contend and the quality of their players. So, let’s rank them — starting with the point guard position.
Naturally for the Philadelphia 76ers, the conversation starts with James Harden. A unique case, that of a former top-shelf star adjusting to life as the No. 2, Harden’s place among the league’s great lead guards can be tricky to decipher. He doesn’t score like he once did, but his efficiency numbers are up and he’s leading the NBA in assists per game.
The Sixers, meanwhile, are 32-16, good for the No. 2 seed in the East and only one game behind 1-seed Boston in the loss column. Harden’s a big reason behind the Sixers’ success. Does he crack the top five?
Ranking James Harden and the top 30 NBA point guards
. PG. Washington Wizards. Monte Morris. 30. player. 142
A model of efficiency over the course of his NBA career, Monte Morris has done well with his new team in Washington. Now full-time starter — rather than injury stopgap — Morris continues to bomb 3s and play set-up man with remarkable precision, averaging 5.4 assists to 0.9 turnovers per game.
118. . PG. Utah Jazz. Russell Westbrook. 29. player
Still wrecking defenses with explosive drives to the rim, Russell Westbrook has settled nicely into his sixth man role with the Lakers. He is embracing different parts of the game, sacrificing for the supposed greater good, and still impacting winning as a result. He’s not the MVP-level offensive fulcrum the NBA world once grew to love, but despite his myriad flaws, Westbrook’s productivity remains somewhat undeniable.
player. 38. . PG. Orlando Magic. Markelle Fultz. 28
Markelle Fultz returned from his ACL tear and quickly took control of the starting point guard role for the very promising Orlando Magic. He’s still not shooting outside shots at a high volume, but Fultz’s body control and arrhythmic handles still dazzle. He’s great at juking his defender out of position and taking advantage with A-plus court vision, the ability to extend for finishes at the rim, or his pleasantly solid mid-range jumper.