Usually involving three renowned names—Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant—the continuous argument about the best basketball player of all time (GOAT) usually revolves on these three. But NBA great Shaquille O’ Neal thinks Golden State Warrior Stephen Curry should be part of that exclusive dialogues.
Shaq Argument for Curry’s GOAT Status
O’Neal voiced his annoyance over Curry being excluded from the GOAT argument during a section on NBA on TNT. Having fought LeBron James, teamed with Kobe Bryant, and played against Michael Jordan, Shaq is convinced that Curry has had an indisputable influence on the game.
“I want you supporters to start having Steph Curry in that best of all time debate. I competed against Mike, with Kobe, against and alongside LeBron. Although they’re all fantastic, we will eventually have to classify Steph Curry in that category,” Shaq said.
Getting Support from NBA Stars
O’ Neal’s position is not unique. Phoenix Suns legend Steve Nash has also praised Curry, stressing his revolutionary impact on the game.
“In certain respects, he seems unappreciated. You know, his influence on the game, the way he was able to be an MVP and a champion in a unique way, shooting impossible shots at a high percentage, the way he effects defenses even if he doesn’t have the ball, like, it’s amazing, Nash said.
With well-known sponsorships from basketball icons, Curry’s impact and legacy are expanding.
Curry’s Impressive Resume
List of achievements by Stephen Curry supports his case even more as one of the all-time greats. Four times NBA champion, two times league MVP (2015 and 2016), an NBA Finals MVP in 2022, and eleven times All-Star. Especially with his three-point shooting ability, his enormous contributions to the game have changed basketball’s game-play.
Though he is unique, is he the GOAT?
Curry’s legacy is sometimes discussed mostly in terms of his playing style, notwithstanding his honors. Theo Pinson noted Curry’s brilliance on the To The Baha podcast but said he doesn’t match the classic point guard profile.
Pinson stated, hinting that Curry’s shoot-first style distinguishes him from traditional playmakers: “I don’t think of Stephen Curry as [a point guard], but he is the best shooter of all time.”
Earlier, another great Michael Jordan has criticised Curry as unworthy Hall of Famer.