Better Team: Golden State Warriors or Houston Rockets?

Shooting Guard

February 10, 2013; Sacramento, CA, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) looks on during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The Kings defeated the Rockets 117-111. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

If comparing Jeremy Lin to Stephen Curry was unfair, then comparing All-Star shooting guard James Harden with Klay Thompson is criminal. Easily the most skewed of these comparisons, Harden outperforms Thompson in every way.

The Sixth Man of the Year winner led the Rockets to the playoffs for the first time since the 2008-09 season and lead the league in free throw attempts. Harden averaged 25.9 points, 5.8 assists and 4.9 rebounds on 43.8 percent shooting with 1.8 steals. He also averaged 10.2 free throws per game, demonstrating his ability to put the ball down and get to the charity stripe.

Thompson’s game could not be more different in that respect. The Washington State University product averaged just 1.9 free throws per game. The 2nd generation NBA player averaged 16.6 points, 2.2 assists and 3.7 rebounds during his sophomore season.

Both Harden and Thompson are 23 years old, but clearly the Rockets guard has the more complete game.

Edge: Rockets