NBA Playoffs: Which superstar has the most to win and lose?

May 10, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Cavaliers Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game winning basket in the second half of game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center. The Cavaliers won 86-84. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

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May 6, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and Los Angeles Clippers forward Matt Barnes (22) in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

James Harden

James Harden’s triple-double in Game 5 helped to stave off elimination for the Houston Rockets, but the team and their MVP candidate have struggled in the second round.

How much does James Harden have to win with a Finals victory?

Despite his MVP caliber season and leadership on a Houston squad that earned home court through the first two rounds, James Harden remains under-appreciated. Perhaps this has to do with his playing style, which can generously be described as opportunistic and pragmatically compared to a vulture. Winning an NBA Finals as the centerpiece would permanently vault Harden into the discussion for the league’s best player.

It would also legitimize both his playing style and the system that general manager Daryl Morey runs, and would make Charles Barkley look like a fool (or more like a fool than he already does). A Finals victory would celebrate his positives, such as his ability to draw fouls and his tough shot in the face of intense pressure. It would also downplay some of the negaitves in his game, particularly his uneven defensive effort.

How much does James Harden have to lose with an early exit?

Many otherwise impartial observers are hoping for an early exit for the Rockets, and Harden is a large reason why. It has nothing to do with his personality, but Harden’s playing style of trying to pick up cheap points will often take away from the enjoyment of the game and turn away viewers.

So far, Harden has gained a reputation as a player who excels in the regular season but cannot get it done as the primary option in the postseason. He has only made it to the Finals with the help of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, and since joining the Rockets, Harden has seen the effectiveness of his playing style go down as refs call defensive fouls looser. An early exit would confirm the negative beliefs held by many, that Harden is an irrelevant player with regards to championships.

Next: Dwight Howard