Controversial historic rankings show Rockets legend was robbed of an opportunity

The Athletic recently published a list of the top 25 NBA players (subscription needed) of the 21st century. It would be nice to say that Houston Rockets legend James Harden was underrated at 14th, but it wouldn't be accurate. That said, if his career had gone differently, he'd climb the rankings.

He is almost undeniably the second-best player in Rockets history. The top spot is eternally reserved for Hakeem Olajuwon. If anyone ever surpasses The Dream, it will be (if you'll pardon the pun) a dream come true for Rockets fans. The team will have found one of the best players in NBA history.

After Olajuwon, most objective fans will agree that Harden reigns supreme. He was setting historic records that only Wilt Chamberlain could match during his tenure with the Rockets.

So how is he only 14th in the 21st century?

Houston Rockets legend James Harden had an unorthodox career

When the Rockets acquired Harden, he was not a star. He wasn't even a starter.

Granted, he was coming off a Sixth Man of the Year season for the Thunder. Still, he had not been allowed to rack up gaudy statistics.

Let's talk about another Rockets legend. Chris Paul ranks one spot ahead of Harden on this list at 13th. He was given the keys immediately. In Paul's rookie campaign, he averaged 16.1 points and 7.8 assists per game. Harden's 9.9 points and 1.8 assists per game as a rookie pale in comparison.

Paul is one of the best point guards in NBA history. That said, his most productive statistical seasons don't match Harden's (hardly anyone's do). Neither man has a ring, and that's unlikely to change in this revisionist history. So, Harden probably gets the nod if he's drafted to a franchise that lets him cook from the onset.

Would he leap anyone else?

Harden faces stiff competition even with Rockets' dominance in mind

It definitely gets tough.

Kawhi Leonard clocks in at 12th. He's got a pair of rings and is one of the best two-way players in league history.

Kevin Garnett? Dwyane Wade? Dirk Nowitzki? Giannis Antetokounmpo? These would be difficult players for Harden to surpass in even the best circumstances.

Their championship equity separates them from Harden. That said, one could pick nits with The Athletic's rankings. Wade has two chips, but Nowitzki and Antetokounmpo are ranked ahead of him. If Harden didn't have three seasons' worth of sub-star production at the beginning of his career, he may have been statistically dominant enough to rank over single-ring players.

It's a moot point. Harden has had the career he's had. He's a statistical monster who, so far, hasn't reached the mountain top. Who knows?

Maybe he'll do it with the Rockets before he's done.