NBA: 10 Most Underrated/Overrated Stars

Mar 26, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) controls the ball against Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The New York Knicks defeated the Sacramento Kings 107-99. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 30, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) following the end of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers in game five of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Richardson-USA TODAY Sports /

10. James Harden:

Why he’s underrated: There are a total of 13 players in NBA history who have ever averaged at least 25 points, 6.0 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game in a season, and James Harden is one of them. Of the other 12, nine are already in the Hall of Fame, with the remaining three — LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Kobe Bryant — undoubtedly heading there as soon as they’re eligible. In other words, Harden’s offensive versatility doesn’t come around very often.

He was the fifth leading scorer in the NBA last season, fifth in minutes per game, 15th in assists per game, 11th in Player Efficiency Rating and top 10 in true shooting percentage, offensive rating, offensive win shares and total win shares. He’s a master of getting to the foul line, and whether you prefer to call it flopping or a Eurostep, Harden is easily the best offensive two-guard in the NBA right now.

Why he’s overrated: Unfortunately for the Bearded One, there are two ends to the floor. There are whole YouTube montages dedicated to Harden falling asleep on defense off the ball and his turnstile qualities on the ball aren’t much better. The offensive burden Harden carries seems to have convinced him and coach Kevin McHale that it’s okay for him to slack off on that end.

The funny thing is, Harden never used to be such a poor defender, particularly in his days with the Oklahoma City Thunder when he was called upon to defend Kobe Bryant in the playoffs. But Harden’s never locked in on that end anymore, which is why some have a hard time appreciating his offensive brilliance. Add that to the fact that Harden’s isolation style hasn’t translated well in the postseason since joining the Houston Rockets — particularly in field goal percentage — and it’s no wonder people see him as an overrated star.

Final Ruling: Properly Rated

Operating under the premise that most NBA fans aren’t complete trolls, people are usually smart enough to realize that even with all of his defensive flaws, Harden is the best shooting guard in the league right now. No offense to the things that Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade have accomplished in their careers, but they’re way past their prime. It’s hard to call Harden overrated or underrated since fans and detractors alike are usually able to recognize both his faults and his incredible talent.

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