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The debate as to who is the greatest of all time in the NBA is a conversation that will continually be argued about. Over the years, the NBA has seen countless talents from different generations come to the fore and dominate, thereby etching their names in history books in the process.
The ’90s had a vast slate of stars that played the game, of which Michael Jordan is largely considered the best. The early 2000s also saw the rise of the late Kobe Bryant, who like Jordan is being talked about in the GOAT conversation.
The 2010s like other generations have also seen the rise of star players including Kevin Durant and LeBron James. Another player who has seen his name touted severally by his fans and critics is Steph Curry. Since shaking off a low-key start to his career, the Warriors’ man has gone on to establish himself as an NBA modern-day legend, breaking multiple records along the line.
Five reasons Steph Curry isn’t in the GOAT conversation
#5 Championship titles
To be considered in the conversation for the greatest of all time in the NBA, one would need to be amongst the greatest players, on an individual and collective level. For all his achievements, when compared with the greatest players, Curry does the part for one aspect only - the individual.
Many anti-Curry fans have used the talented nature of the team to deride his odds of being amongst the greatest. In truth, although good players do make good teams, Curry’s team achievement does not compare to the greats, such as Jordan and his all-conquering Chicago Bulls team. The Warriors' point guard and his team may hold the record for most wins in a season with 73-9, but his championship title wins pale to that of the likes of Jordan, whose team record they broke.
Jordan won 6 championship titles, securing two three-peat wins in the process. More recently, Lebron James has 4 championship rings, albeit playing for an arguably less talented team throughout his career. Both players are thought to be way ahead in the GOAT debate.
#4 Presence of a Super Team
The Golden State Warriors were the most dominant team of the 2010s, but they were also the most talented squad of the past decade by a mile. During their five-year presence in the championship finals, the Warriors fielded All-Star players like three-point shooting maestro Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, DeMarcus Cousins and Kevin Durant.
However, Curry had already won a championship title and lost another to Lebron James' Cleveland Cavaliers before the arrival of Durant. It wasn’t until Durant was signed that the Warriors' dominant reign took full effect, winning two championships back-to-back, with Durant taking home the NBA Finals MVP on both occasions. Despite all his talents, many continue to believe that he would be an average player without the star quality around him.
#3 Poor defensive player
Basketball is played on both sides of the court, but NBA two-time scoring champion is famously known for his contributions on only one end of the floor - the offense. The Baby-Faced Assassin is regarded by many as the NBA's greatest shooter of all time, but his impact on defense has been questionable.
Players in the NBA GOAT conversation like Lebron James, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Michael Jordan are famous for their all-round abilities. The 5-time All-Star has over time been accused of being reliant on his excellent three-point shooting skills, offering average impact in other aspects of the game. Though not terrible at defense, he adds little impact that pales in comparison to the others.
Curry is perceived to be an offensive player, whose lone defensive asset is his ability to strip the ball and start a fast break. A different trend to the aggressive style of play possessed by the all-rounders that dominate the NBA GOAT conversation.
#2 LeBron James
Being regarded by most as the best player of his generation doesn’t help the Curry NBA GOAT arguments. As it is only logical you won’t be considered the greatest of all time if you aren’t the greatest in your generation.
Playing in the same period as stars like LeBron reduces the chances of Curry achieving GOAT status. The Lakers player is widely considered the better player between the two. However, Curry did best James in the NBA finals on three occasions, which have mainly been put down to the strength of the Warriors' roster during those victories.
Even a few ardent Curry fans will argue against James being the better player. A belief that took on greater significance in 2016, when LeBron James inspired the Cavaliers to recover from a 3-0 deficit to come back victorious, winning the championship series. The series also saw James make history by being the first player to top the playoffs in all leading categories.
#1 2019 championship loss and lack of Finals MVP
The NBA three-time champion is yet to win a Finals award, despite having been to five championship finals and winning three. The point guard has often been derided for not being a clutch player, feeding off the likes of the star quality in the Warriors’ team, and the stats have done little to help the argument in his favor.
In his first championship win, Andre Iguodala snagged the finals MVP award after keeping James quiet for most of the series, whilst former Warriors' small forward Kevin Durant bagged the other two MVP finals awards, in their back-to-back championship runs in 2017 and 2018.
His critics will also point to the 2019 championship loss to the Toronto Raptors, where Curry, tipped to finally lead in the absence of Durant and fellow shooter Klay Thompson, stumbled. Reinforcing belief amongst critics of his dependence on team quality to stand out.
In the end, Curry failed to inspire the Warriors, watching in agony as their quest for a historic three-peat success was shattered. Surely the single biggest deterrent to any GOAT conversation involving the NBA’s greatest three-point shooter.
