James Harden: 4 Reasons OKC Thunder Guard Is This Year's Best 6th Man

The Oklahoma City Thunder have finally evolved from a young budding franchise to heavy favorites to win the NBA championship this year. The potential has been as clear as day to the NBA for the past few years, and it's been exciting to watch the young talent of the Thunder develop.

Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook have formed arguably the most dangerous one-two punch in the NBA, and the Thunder have assembled a great group of dangerous role players.

Kendrick Perkins, Serge Ibaka, Thabo Sefolosha and Nick Collison all do their jobs as key components around the Thunder's two superstars (Durant, Westbrook). However, Oklahoma City's X-factor this season has been James Harden.

Oklahoma City wouldn't have their success without Harden's impact on both sides of the floor. He's a vital piece to the Thunder, and he's the best bench player in the NBA.

Here are four reasons why Harden deserves to be the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year.

1. Numbers

Don't let this picture fool you. Harden has been the front runner for the Sixth Man of the Year race, and his stats certainly validate his case.

Harden is averaging a career-high 16.5 points and shooting an efficient 48.4 percent shooting off the bench for Oklahoma City. The Thunder guard has developed a great offensive game with a lethal left-handed jumper and the ability to drive the lane, and he has surprised many with some facial dunks on opponents.

His fellow sixth man competition around the league have put up a nice fight against Harden, but none have been as productive.

Jason Terry and Lou Williams each are averaging 15 points, and Mo Williams isn't too far behind with 13.6 points.

Harden is playing roughly 32 minutes a game, but that isn't a sign of an inflation of his numbers. Terry, Williams and Williams are each averaging no less than 26 minutes a game off the bench.

Lots of tough competition for Sixth Man of the Year, but none have been better than Harden.

2. Solid Defender

The Oklahoma City Thunder have gotten progressively better on defense, especially with the addition of Perkins last year and Serge Ibaka emerging as arguably the NBA's best shot blocker.

The bench is also beginning to buy into the team defensive philosophy, including Harden.

This season, Harden has become a quality perimeter defender for the Thunder. He has played with an aggressive nature on the outside on opposing guards this season. He even has formed a nice rivalry with Kobe Bryant after a nice showdown in Oklahoma City in February.

Sefolosha starts for the Thunder for defensive purposes, and is the team's best outside defender. However, when Harden enters the game, Oklahoma City doesn't miss a beat on defense. It's great to have that same defensive energy and intensity off the bench from one of your most important players.

3. Versatile

Versatility in the NBA will keep players relevant for a long time, and this year Harden has shown his diverse productivity for the Thunder.

Eric Maynor suffered a season-ending knee injury in January, decreasing the guard depth on the Oklahoma City bench, especially at point guard. With Maynor's absence comes a bigger load of responsibility for Harden, which he has taken with no issue.

Harden's assist numbers aren't eye-popping as he's averaging only 3.7 a game. However, he has taken the lead as the floor general for the Thunder at times while in the game. His ability to create and distribute has certainly improved, and it's been a great complement for scoring superstars Durant and Westbrook.

Harden's responsibility will continue to increase, especially during the playoffs. Considering his success this season, it's hard to believe he won't continue to flourish as the reliable combo guard OKC needs to take the next step.

4. Team Success

Oklahoma City is currently in a fight for the top spot of the Western Conference with the San Antonio Spurs. With a 44-17 record in the shortened 66-game season, the Thunder have finally become an elite contender in the NBA.

Harden has been a key component to Oklahoma City's success, and they'll need for him to continue to play at a high level as they move forward. Harden is without question one of the league's best all-around shooting guards, and to the Thunder's luxury, he's doing all his damage off the bench.

Harden could be a starter for another team in the league, but he continues to flourish as the best sixth man in the NBA.

With a strong finish to the season by the Thunder and Harden, there is no reason for the Thunder spark plug not to win Sixth Man of the Year of the 2012 season. Assuming he's still in Oklahoma City for the next few years, Harden has a great chance to win it multiple times in his career. The ceiling is endless for the Thunder 2-guard, and his path of success is just beginning.