In a general sense, I'd put Harden a slight step above Kobe, a slight step below Curry, and well below MJ, but I think he needs to show out in the playoffs more than he has to really be in the all-time conversation with Kobe or Curry, let alone Jordan. His last four playoffs have consisted of three eliminations by Curry's Warriors, plus one of the more epic no-shows in recent memory in a blowout Game 6 elimination to the Kawhi-less, Parker-less Spurs. That game notwithstanding, Harden's overall playoff numbers have been good, but not quite peak Harden. Since joining Houston in 2012-13, he's gone 31-31 in the playoffs (5-6 in playoff series) and has never made it out of the West; Curry in the same timeframe has gone 72-30, 16-3 in playoff series, with four WC championships and three titles.
The Rockets' most dramatic victory in the Harden era is still probably their 2015 defeat of the Clippers from down 3-1 — a comeback that hinged on an insane 49-18 rally at the end of Game 6 in LA that occurred mostly with Harden on the bench. (Harden was -20 in that game, Corey Brewer +32, lol). That season ended for the Rockets in a Game 5 v. GS in which Harden had 14 points and 12 turnovers. What is Harden's greatest playoff moment? That's a real question, not rhetorical. I'm sure he's had a ton; I just can't think of one that really stands out.
One can definitely point to Harden's lack of elite teammates, but as DeJesus notes, the true greats make their teammates better. And of course, GOAT as he was, Jordan never won a title till he teamed with Pippen. (And great as he was, if you take away all six of his rings, I suspect people are talking about him more in the category of Jerry West or Oscar Robertson than as the GOAT). Ditto Kobe with Shaq/Gasol, Steph with Klay/KD, etc. Fairly or unfairly, I don't think Harden's in the conversation with Curry or Kobe in any kind of historical ranking unless and until he picks up a ring or two.
As far as the Harden "I'm a hooper" quote above: that's what most NBA superstars say, and it's clearly true in the case of the Beard. He's a fearless, tireless baller. The question (for D'Antoni and others) is whether that admirable eagerness to go balls-out in every regular season game has had anything to do with some of his disappointments in April and May. Could have nothing to do with it, but if I'm D'Antoni I'd at least consider following the lead of Popovich (one of the more diligent late-season "load managers" of his players, with five rings to show for it) and dialing down his minutes a bit down the stretch, ideally with a rest game or two.
Anyway, blah, blah. As noted above, with the Rockets now firmly locked in the top half the west, and Harden ratcheting up his play to another level of insanity, I'm fine with him as MVP over Giannis.