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2020s Villain Rivalry

Ja Morant vs Trae Young

Two of the most hated villains of the 2020s, side by side. Load management & flop wars — and these two wore it loudest.

JM
Ja Morant - 2020s villain
HIGHER SCORE
RISING

Ja Morant

Memphis GrizzliesPoint Guard2020s

The young star speedrunning his villain arc. Multiple gun incidents on Instagram Live, suspended twice for reckless behavior. His 'my own worst enemy' approach is making him one of the league's most controversial stars.

87.0
Hate
0
Rings
2
All-Star
Full case against Ja
TY
Trae Young - 2020s villain
CHALLENGER
RISING

Trae Young

Trae Young turned Madison Square Garden into his personal highlight reel and made Knicks fans relive their Reggie Miller nightmares. His bow celebration after eliminating New York was pure disrespect, and he seemed to enjoy it too much. His foul-baiting style frustrates opponents and fans, but he backs up his cockiness with clutch shots. He's the villain the new generation deserves - skilled but annoying.

82.3
Hate
0
Rings
3
All-Star
Full case against Trae

The Verdict

Morant
More Hated (by 4.7)
0
Most Rings (in pair)
3
Most All-Star Nods

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Era Context: 2020s

Load management, flopping debates, and Twitter trials. The current era of villainy plays out in real time, hot take by hot take.

See all 2020s villains →