New King in the Backcourt? Ja Morant vs. James Harden Ignites Top 100 Controversy

The debate surrounding the Top 100 NBA Players list is a ritual for basketball fans every offseason. Every year, rankings spark fierce arguments, with supporters of young stars and veterans clashing over who’s earned their place among the league’s elite. And few debates are more polarizing right now than Ja Morant vs. James Harden.

One is the explosive, athletic centerpiece of the Memphis Grizzlies; the other, a former MVP and master of offensive efficiency, now entering the twilight years of a legendary career. Both are undeniably talented — but when it comes to current impact, leadership, and ceiling, who truly deserves a higher ranking in the NBA Top 100?

Let’s dive deep into statistics, team impact, recent performance, and narrative to find an answer.

The Case for Ja Morant: Rising Star with Unmatched Athleticism

Ja Morant, the 2nd overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, has become the face of the Memphis Grizzlies. At just 25 years old, he is one of the most electrifying players in the league. His combination of speed, agility, creativity, and fearlessness has drawn comparisons to legends like Allen Iverson and Derrick Rose in their primes.

In the 2022–2023 season, Morant averaged 26.2 points, 8.1 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game — while shooting nearly 47% from the field. Despite missing several games due to injury and suspension, his on-court performance remained elite. When Morant plays, the Grizzlies are a completely different team, fueled by his energy, confidence, and relentless attack.

What separates Ja Morant is not just numbers — it’s impact. His gravity as a ball handler and finisher forces defenses to collapse, creating open shots for teammates. His athleticism allows him to finish over rim protectors and execute highlight-reel dunks that shift game momentum.

He’s also a major clutch performer, consistently hitting big shots in late-game scenarios. His youth gives him the edge in durability and ceiling — Ja is only getting better.

The Case for James Harden: The Crafty Veteran Still Producing at a High Level

James Harden is no stranger to top rankings. The 2018 MVP is a 10-time All-Star, three-time scoring champion, and has led the league in assists twice. While no longer in his prime, Harden’s basketball IQ, playmaking, and efficiency remain at an elite level.

During the 2023–2024 season with the Los Angeles Clippers, Harden averaged 18.8 points, 8.5 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game. Although his scoring has dipped, he remains one of the top playmakers in the league.

What makes James Harden still dangerous is his ability to control tempo. Unlike Morant’s explosive style, Harden’s game is cerebral. He breaks down defenses with pick-and-roll mastery, manipulates defenders with fakes, and creates space with his signature step-back three. His playoff experience and leadership bring value that younger players can’t yet replicate.

Defensively, Harden is no longer a liability — he’s adapted his game to be serviceable, especially in team schemes. His physical strength allows him to hold his own against bigger guards.

Moreover, Harden’s presence elevates the performance of those around him. He consistently makes his teammates better, whether it’s Joel Embiid in Philadelphia or Kawhi Leonard in Los Angeles.

Current Form vs. Career Achievement

This is where the debate intensifies. If you’re ranking based on career accomplishments, James Harden is clearly ahead. His résumé includes an MVP, multiple scoring titles, All-NBA selections, and deep playoff runs. He’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

But the Top 100 NBA Players list typically emphasizes current value — what each player brings today, not five years ago.

In that case, Ja Morant begins to close the gap. His athleticism, youth, and upward trajectory arguably give him a stronger case in today’s fast-paced NBA. He’s not just a highlight machine — he’s the leader of a top Western Conference team and one of the most feared guards in transition.

While Harden is still productive, his age and inconsistency in high-stakes playoff games recently have left some analysts questioning his ranking in the top 25 or even top 30. Meanwhile, Morant — despite some off-court controversy — is widely seen as a top-20 player with potential to crack the top 10 if he leads the Grizzlies deep into the playoffs.

Playoff Performance: Harden’s Stumbles vs. Ja’s Potential

In the playoffs, James Harden has had a mixed bag. Despite some stellar individual performances, he’s developed a reputation for disappearing in elimination games or failing to rise to the occasion in crucial moments. His Game 7 performances over the years have been underwhelming, and critics have questioned his killer instinct.

On the other hand, Ja Morant, although still early in his playoff career, has shown flashes of brilliance. In 2022, he put up 47 points in a playoff game against the Warriors and helped push the eventual champions to six tough games. His competitiveness, energy, and aggression are traits built for playoff basketball.

If we project future performance, Ja Morant’s ceiling in the postseason is sky-high, while Harden’s may have already plateaued.

Availability & Off-Court Behavior: A Tie-Breaker?

One factor that complicates Morant’s case is his off-court behavior. His suspension during the 2023 season for violating team conduct policies raised concerns about his maturity and focus. In contrast, despite past trade controversies, James Harden has generally stayed out of legal trouble and maintained a consistent presence on the court.

Availability matters. Harden, despite being older, has often played more games in recent seasons than Morant. If a player is unavailable due to suspension or injury, it impacts their ranking — and Morant has missed time because of both.

Still, many view Morant’s issues as growing pains rather than long-term character flaws. If he can mature and stay healthy, there’s no doubt he can be one of the top five players in the league.

Who Should Be Ranked Higher Right Now?

If we’re talking 2025 rankings, the conversation becomes clearer:

• Ja Morant offers explosive scoring, elite athleticism, upside, and star power.

• James Harden brings experience, craft, playmaking, and a proven track record.

But in today’s NBA — where speed, spacing, and youth dominate — the edge might slightly go to Ja Morant. He’s the more dynamic player, the higher-impact star on a winning team, and a face of the future.

However, for teams looking for consistency, control, and IQ, Harden still delivers. The veteran guard remains one of the smartest offensive players in basketball and continues to be among the top assist leaders each year.

Final Verdict: Ja Morant by a Slim Margin

Ja Morant deserves the higher ranking in the NBA Top 100 — but only by a narrow margin.

His talent, potential, and current impact on the game slightly outweigh Harden’s experience and achievements in the current context. Morant is the kind of player teams build around, while Harden, at this stage of his career, is better suited as a second or third option.

That said, Harden’s basketball intelligence and leadership continue to provide immense value — and he’s not out of the race just yet.

In a few years, this might not even be a debate. But for now, the youth revolution edges ahead — and Ja Morant takes the lead.