Monta Ellis
8.5 PPG · 2.8 REB · 3.2 AST
Sion James
5.4 PPG · 3.5 REB · 2 AST
VS
2–0
categories
Ellis leads the head-to-head, 2 categories to 0.
Rebuildvs
The two-way profile
Ellis 4James 4
Balladex DNA ratings (0–99). Even split across the eight tools.
Tale of the tape
17.8
5.4
3.5
3.5
4.6
2.0
The trophy case edge: James
No major hardware yet
🏆
33rd Draft pick (2025)1× ACC All-Defensive (2025)
The verdict
Ellis holds the edge, leading in 2 of 3 categories (points / game, assists / game). James answers in the intangibles — which is exactly why this is the marquee debate.
57Ellis · Rotation piece
Balladex Impact Index
56James · Rotation piece
Card value — head to head
Monta Ellis
$4.0
Cemented legacy
5-yr outlook+50% ▲
Legacy floor100%
Sion James
$4.0
Climbing
5-yr outlook+25%
Legacy floor100%
Card verdictBoth grade to about $4.0 today. Monta Ellis carries more projected upside (+50% vs. +25% over five years). Different bets: Monta Ellis's value is cemented and rises on legacy, while Sion James's is speculative and swings on production.
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