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James Harden has been an All-Star 10 times in his career while maintaining his elite level of play among the NBA's best shooting guards. Even so, Harden did not make the list of Eastern Conference All-Stars this season.
Harden is averaging 21.8 points, 10.8 assists and 6.2 rebounds per game, while shooting 45.0%, including 39.8% from 3-point range. Comparing his previous seasons with the Houston Rockets and even the Brooklyn Nets, it's clear to see that Harden has moved into a more calculated approach in how he plays.
James Harden has been more methodical in how he attacks defenses as he is more patient on offense, compared to how was a nonstop scoring and assist machine in the past. He leads the Philadelphia 76ers in assists per game, while providing a great one-two punch with Joel Embiid.
James Harden's stats compared to other All-NBA candidates
When it comes to All-NBA honors, the league still uses position-based voting. And similar to previous seasons, the list of candidates is always strong as the NBA is filled with talented and elite players.
James Harden has plenty of stiff competition in the Eastern Conference.
For the Cleveland Cavaliers, Donovan Mitchell is having an electric season, averaging 27.6 ppg, 4.7 apg and 4.1 rpg, while shooting 47.8%, including 38.3% from 3-point range. He leads his team in scoring and has Cleveland (44-27) in fourth place in the East.
For the Boston Celtics, Jaylen Brown continues where he left off last season, averaging 26.6 ppg, 6.9 rpg and 3.4 apg (49.0% shooting, with 33.3% on 3-pointers). He is second in the team in scoring behind Jayson Tatum, as the young All-Star has been a huge factor in Boston (47-22) being an elite team this season. They are second in the East.
For the New York Knicks, Jalen Brunson is having his best season yet, averaging 23.8 ppg, 6.1 apg and 3.6 rpg (shooting 48.7%, including 41.4% on 3-pointers). He is second on the team in scoring behind Julius Randle, helping New York (41-30) to fifth place in the East.
In the Western Conference, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the OKC Thunder, is averaging 31.3 ppg, 5.6 apg and 4.8 rpg (shooting 50.9%, including 34.7% on 3-pointers. In his best season yet, SGA leads OKC in scoring and has helped the team pull off some impressive wins as it fights for a play-in spot. Oklahoma City (33-35) is 11th in the Western Conference.
For the Dallas Mavericks, Luka Doncic is averaging a career-high 33.0 ppg, 8.6 rpg and 8.0 apg (shooting 50.0%, including 34.9% on 3-pointers). Dallas is eighth in the West.
For the Golden State Warriors, Steph Curry is averaging 29.6 ppg, 6.3 apg and 6.3 rpg (shooting 49.7%, including 43.6% from 3-point range). He leads Golden State (36-33), which is fifth in the West, in scoring.
For the Sacramento Kings, De'Aaron Fox is averaging 25.5 ppg, 6.3 apg and 4.3 rpg (shooting 51.3%, including 32.9% on 3-pointers). Having his best season yet, Fox has Sacramento (40-27) third in the West.
James Harden has his edge when it comes to his assist average and gets the best out of the other candidates when it comes to his shooting efficiency. Be that as it may, the competition is still tough for Harden as the All-NBA guard candidates are stacked.
