| DRPM | |
|---|---|
| 2013-2014 | -2.84 |
| 2014-2015 | -0.16 |
| 2015-2016 | -0.98 |
| 2016-2017 | -1.22 |
To my knowledge, RPM is probably the best statistic we have at our disposal in the public domain, particularly for defensive measurements. RPM seeks to neutralize against variables such as teammates and bench replacements. Based on the annual data above, James Harden has actually been even worse defensively this season than he was last season, though that narrative has not emerged. It goes to show the role team success plays in shaping not only public perception but also institutional agenda.
However, Harden has been even better this year offensively than he was last season. Last season, Harden’s ORPM of 5.37 brought him to an RPM of 4.39. This year, Harden has an ORPM of 7.01 and an RPM of 5.79.
By the way, Damian Lillard had a DRPM of -3.16 last season, but you never heard about it. (It’s improved to -2.19 this year). Fellow MVP candidate Isaiah Thomas has a DRPM of -4.44, but there haven’t been any clips there either, to my knowledge.
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