Why Stephen Curry is a top 10 player of all time.
2 MVPs, 4 rings, and by far the greatest shooter we have ever seen, it’s easy to see Curry’s greatness. Yet some people don’t even have him in their Top 15 of all time. Here’s why I believe they’re entirely wrong.
1. Shooting and Influence
Ever since the introduction of the three point stripe in 1979, the game of basketball has greatly changed. 3pt specialists emerged and the tempo and spacing of the game is entirely different. Undeniably, Steph Curry has been the messiah of this 3 point revolution with his otherworldly range. His ambitious shot selection and aptitude for the three has been a part of a complete cultural shift on how the game is played. This is a “Greatest player list” not a list based solely on accolades. In my definition, influence is a part of my criteria. That’s why someone like Kobe, even though a great player, ranks below Steph for me. He’s a worse Jordan, and though he was still fantastic, his legacy is just worse than Jordan in every sense. No player ever has had the legacy Steph has, and nobody may ever have his type of legacy. He changed basketball with his shooting in a way that has never been seen before. Also, I’m tired of people bringing up other 3pt shooters like Ray Allen and Klay Thompson. Yes, they popularized the 3 pointer and deserve some credit, but Steph’s level of off the dribble shooting and his use of the high screen and role is what was the BIGGEST contributor to the shift in offensive schemes.
2. The Talent of the WCF during his prime
Harden, Westbrook, KD, Chris Paul, Dame, all undoubtedly hall of fame players that led some insanely good teams. Notice what they all have in common? No ring. (except KD, but more on that later). In just the Western conference alone, Steph and the Warriors battled and beat some stacked teams and ruined player’s legacies. Think about Harden, probably a top 10 peak of all time and one of the best scorers ever. Steph made sure he never made the finals, not even once. He and Klay are easily the best back court of all time, and proved that they were the kings of the western conference. When you look at players like Bird and Magic, yeah they faced each other but really who else did they play”? Sure, you got the pistons and the sonics, but none of those teams even begin to compare to the prime Rockets and Thunder. The Magic-Bird rivalry was in the finals, and they didn’t face too much competition on their way there. It’s not like Steph had anyone hard to play in the finals? Right?
3. LeBron (yes, he’s a reason)
LeBron, my GOAT and at least everybody else’s #2 (No I’m not going to hear you out Kareem fans) was the sole reason for the absence of many accolades in Curry’s career. In 5 straight matchups in the finals, LeBron dropped some of the most ridiculous numbers I’ve ever seen. Of course, I’m really just preparing to talk about that one year, you know which one. 2016. 73–9, unanimous MVP, came back against KD and the Thunder and 3–1 up in the finals, Steph Curry was about to complete basketball in a single season. But there was one man who stopped him. LeBron James. Putting together a GOAT-clinching stretch of 3 games, LeBron denied Curry of his perfection. This is also what led to the arrival of Kevin Durant that July, which also led to controversy in his career. But before discussing that, I want to talk about 2015. Recently, I revisited that Warriors-Cavs series to see why Igoudala won that finals MVP. LeBron averaged nearly a 36 points triple double, and Steph had 26–5–6. Iggy, though not a scorer, had 16–5–4, not that impressive of a scoreline. So what did he get the MVP for? Guarding LeBron? He literally had one of the all-time great score lines for an NBA player. Curry definitely deserved that MVP, and I’d rather even give it to LeBron over Iggy. But there is no mistaking it, LeBron overshadowed Curry in every finals’ matchup, even though he lost 4 out of the 5 meetings. It’s this what makes him so hated. Curry never was the best player in a final series, and that was a part of his legacy. Until 2022.
4. The 2022 Ring
After losing KD and Klay to injuries, the warriors looked like their dynasty was over. KD signed with Brooklyn, and Klay suffered another injury, adding another year of despair for Warriors fans. After suffering defeat to the hands of LeBron yet again in the play-in, many said Steph looked finished and done for his career. But the iconic trio of Steph-Klay-Dray was finally back on the floor in 2022, and with nothing to prove, they did it again. Each one of these players could have a separate article on their comebacks, but as a collective, they beat everyone again, and were crowned NBA championships. But, who was the best player on the court? Did Tatum or Brown outplay him? Wiggins? No. Curry proved that he could lead a team BY HIMSELF and win a ring. Steph made everyone know who the final’s MVP was, and there was no mistaking it. He resurrected his legacy, and solidified himself as top 10. This ability to come back and persevere through so much adversity is what makes him so great.
