15 Underrated Seasons from The Past 15 Years (2003-2004 to 2017-2018)

5. James Harden, Houston Rockets, 2016-2017

Stats: 29.1 ppg, 11.2 apg, 8.1 rpg

Finished 2nd in MVP voting.

Apologies to Kawhi Leonard, a 2016-2017 snub, but Harden and Russ were, no-doubt, the two leaders of that 2017 MVP Race, with Harden losing due to, once again, the narrative surrounding Russ’ triple-double record chase and KD’s departure. Harden spearheaded a Rockets squad led by the resurgent Mike D’Antoni, seizing control of the offense as the point guard, setting a personal single season-high in assists per game in the process, leading the Rockets to 55-wins. However, the lasting memories of Harden for this season will definitely not be good.