Houston Rockets All Star guard James Harden is the premier shooting guard in the NBA, displacing long-time best in the said position Kobe Bryant, at least according to NBA general managers.

The intriguing survey results released by the NBA on October 22 indicate that Harden, who two years ago was the best sixth man in the league while playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has surpassed Bryant as the most feared shooting guard in the planet.

Harden got 56.7% of the votes while Bryant was a far second at 20%. Also making the list were Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, Kevin Durant of the Thunder, Paul George of the Indiana Pacers and Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat.

Harden was traded to the Rockets at the start of the 2012-13 season and has since then been on a tear leading the young franchise to the playoffs, where they gave the Thunder some stiff competition before bowing out in six games. Now paired with superstar center Dwight Howard, Harden is seen to improve further and cement his place as the best two guard in the league. With a solid support cast that includes guard Jeremy Lin, forward Chandler Parsons and center Omar Asik, the Rockets are also predicted to contend for the NBA title.

On the other hand, Bryant is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. The five-time NBA champion's status is still unclear, with his coach Mike D'Antoni saying he won't be playing for the Lakers season opener against crosstown rivals LA Clippers.