The NBA is full of surprises. Every year, players from a wide spectrum of situations catch everyone off guard and exceed expectations. Some rookies outperform their draft position, some veterans find the fountain of youth and some new acquisitions thrive like never before after a change of scenery.

James Harden | Rockets | 26.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.6 SPG, 21.57 PER

While Harden has cooled down since scoring 37 points and 45 points in the first two games of the season, the 23-year-old has proven that he can be a franchise player. Harden’s 26.7 points per game is the second-highest average in the league, trailing only Kobe Bryant. Harden has been everything the Rockets were hoping he’d be and then some. He’s much further along in his development than most players his age and he clearly has superstar potential.

via Alex Kennedy of HOOPSWORLD