All-Star guard and perennial MVP finalist James Harden forces the most adjustments by opposing coaches of any NBA player, according to NBA.com’s 2020-21 “GM Survey” of the league’s general managers.
Harden has led the NBA in scoring for the last three years, and he’s more than 35 points per game over the last two seasons, combined. Yet, on top of his gifts and unique style as a scorer, Harden is also an able and willing passer, as evidenced by his 7.5 assists per game over that time.
Harden came in first in “forces the most adjustments” with 32 percent of the vote from GMs, edging out No. 2 finisher LeBron James (29 percent).
Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?
1. James Harden, Houston – 32% https://t.co/SPHHnL1aem— Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) December 18, 2020
Harden also came in first among GMs in the “best shooting guard” category, with 68 percent of the vote. One reason that Harden didn’t have an even higher percentage is because he also received votes in the “best point guard” category, with some GMs viewing him as a point guard, first.
Veteran teammate PJ Tucker came in second in the “toughest NBA player” question, trailing only rugged center Steven Adams of the New Orleans Pelicans. Elsewhere, John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins each received votes as “most underrated player acquisition” from the 2020 offseason.
The complete NBA.com survey can be read here.
