Houston Rockets: Top 15 Greatest All-Time (1-5)

Feb 20, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard

(13) reacts during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

4. James “The Beard” Harden

This might come to a shocker to most of my Twitter followers out there, but I have current Rockets shooting guard No. 4 on my list. In three seasons with the Rockets, James Harden has averaged 26.3 points per game, 6.3 assists per game and 5.1 rebounds per game.

For a guy whose beard has a bounty of nearly $250 million thus far, he has already graced Rockets’ fans with his strong leadership capabilities, coupled with his step-backs and “stirring the pot” motions after taking down his defenders one-by-one.

Apr 2, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after making a three point shot against the Dallas Mavericks during the first half at the American Airlines Center. The Rockets defeated the Mavericks 108-101. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

After the Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady era was over, Houston found themselves in a tough spot, but after acquiring Harden in a trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder back in 2012, the Rockets turned a sixth man into the face of a franchise seemingly overnight.

His chapter of the Rockets’ history book remains largely unwritten and he has some big shoes to fill in terms of the greats that have preceded him, but I feel that this ranking is more of a bet that he’ll remain in the Top 5 even after his career is over.

Harden had his best season just last year — with a strong focus on playing better defense — leading the Rockets to the Western Conference Finals despite two starters missing.  If he can bring a championship to Houston or just make the Finals next season — as well as in the future — he’ll easily jump higher on the list.

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