James Harden Says He Is Best Player in the NBA and Is Capable of Doing More

Fresh off a season in which he finished as runner-up for the 2014-15 NBA MVP award and led the Houston Rockets to the Western Conference Finals, James Harden is ready to show the world just what he can do.

"You don't think I can do more?" Harden asked, via Fran Blinebury of NBA.com. "Just wait. I'll show you."

If that's true, the rest of the NBA better look out.

The 26-year-old was already nearly impossible to stop on offense last season, averaging 27.4 points, 7.0 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game. Despite the injuries Houston had to deal with, the team captured the No. 2 seed in the West and was just one series away from an NBA title.

That's why—and no disrespect to LeBron James, Stephen Curry or Kevin Durant—the Rockets guard believes he is the best player in the NBA.

"I am the best player in the league. I believe that," Harden said, via Blinebury. "I thought I was last year, too."

Part of the reason Harden may be able to take his game to an even higher level this coming season is the chip he has on his shoulder. As good as Curry was last season, the Arizona State product believes he should have won the MVP award (note: Harden's peers did vote him the league's MVP). He wasn't shy when making his case, via Blinebury:

"

I know I was the MVP. That's 100 percent given all the things that happened last season.

Credit the Golden State Warriors for an unbelievable year. They had an unbelievable team, coaching staff, everything.

But that award means most valuable to your team. We finished second in the West, which nobody thought we were going to do at the beginning of the year even when everybody was healthy. We were near the top in having the most injuries. We won our division in a division where every single team made the playoffs.

There's so many factors. I led the league in total points scored, minutes played. Like I said, I'm not taking anything away from Steph, but I felt I deserved the Most Valuable Player. That stays with me.

"

Finishing runner-up to Curry in the MVP race last season could motivate Harden to be even better in 2015-16. It's hard to imagine that, but the rest of the NBA should be on high alert just in case.

[NBA.com]