NBA: Race to MVP Week 1 Ladder

Nov 7, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) reacts to making a shot while drawing a foul against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

8. James Harden, Houston Rockets – 26.8 PPG, 4.3 APG, 4.8 RPG

Harden continues to score the basketball extremely well, despite struggling with a bunch of nagging injuries. What has hurt him in the rankings is his complete disregard for defense — it’s been laughable, really. Yes, he has Dwight Howard behind him, and he has to carry a heavy scoring load, but that doesn’t mean he can take every single possession off on the other end.