New Orleans Pelicans: 10 Most Valuable NBA Players
#6: James Harden, Houston Rockets
James Harden is definitely one of the best players in the league, but his style of play turns some fans off (I’m one of them) and he plays on a system-heavy team that has another All-NBA player on it.
Jersey Sales: Harden is 5th in jersey sales, which is boosted by his play and beardy look, and also by the fact that the Houston Rockets are hugely popular in China.
Importance to team: Harden takes some dings here even though he is the league’s leading scorer and obviously important to his team. Could Russell Westbrook drag this team to the playoffs? Probably. Houston would not be a contender without Harden but they wouldn’t be a lottery team either. Harden also plays on a “system” team that relies on a barrage of 3-point shooters and spacing. Harden makes it better but there are other guards who would thrive in this system.
Importance to the future of the league: Harden is a popular player around the league and his beard gives him a signature look. He is also very popular overseas, as some foreign fans don’t understand the meaning of “Ball Hog.” Harden is a former MVP, but his frequent visits to disreputable institutions will keep him from ever being the face of the league even if he wins another MVP or two.
#5: Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
Luka Doncic is the best young player in the league and one of a handful of guys you’d want to start a franchise with. He is still just 21-years-old and has already put himself in the discussion for league MVP. He has raised the profile of basketball in Dallas, as well as around the world.
Jersey Sales: Luka is 6th in jersey sales, which is not bad considering he’s only in his second season and plays in a football city.
Importance to team: Luka has singlehandedly made Dallas a contender and as long as he is there, they will remain one. No offense to Kristaps Porzingis, but if you took Luka off this team, Dallas is in the lottery. Luka is the Dallas Mavericks and at some point they will probably make him the highest player in the league.
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Importance to the future of the league: Although Luka is popular in the U.S., he is not a household name outside of NBA circles, which is why he is so low on this list. He isn’t yet in the LeBron category in the States, but he’s so popular in his native Slovenia that the government uses him as a tourist attraction. Unfortunately, Slovenia is not yet a basketball powerhouse or hotbed, but Luka might get them there.