Fansided

5 NBA stars with the most to prove this season

By Niccolo Hilgendorf

Apr 1, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the game against the Orlando Magic at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 113-110. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the game against the Orlando Magic at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 113-110. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2016-17 NBA season is quickly approaching, and some players are going to feel the pressure much more than others.

After an active summer that saw a huge amount of roster-shuffling and free agent signings, the NBA landscape is drastically changed. Let’s take a look at some of the players that are really going to be feeling the heat.

Apr 21, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) holds the ball as Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) defends during the fourth quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 97-96. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) holds the ball as Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) defends during the fourth quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 97-96. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

1. James Harden

The Beard finally has the reigns all to himself in Houston. Dwight Howard is off chasing championships in Atlanta now, which means Harden is in complete control of the Rockets this season. With head coach Mike D’Antoni on board, this team is finally primed to make some noise in the West. But they will need the best out of their All-Star guard in order to be successful.

D’Antoni was known for his “7 seconds or less” offense in Phoenix. This style of play suits Harden, and a supporting cast of shooters like Ryan Anderson and Trevor Ariza will be able to spread the floor and give him space to operate. If the chemistry is good, this could be one of the deadliest offenses in the league. But Harden has to prove that he’s capable of committing to defense and getting his guys involved, even if it hurts his stat line.

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