Steph Curry’s name often sparks debate in basketball circles. Some say he’s the greatest shooter ever; others dismiss him as a product of a system or lucky timing. But when Steph ranks himself behind only Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, many fans laugh it off. Yet, what if that ranking isn’t arrogance but a justified claim backed by the way he built his legacy?

Before Curry’s arrival, the Golden State Warriors were one of the NBA’s worst franchises. Between 1995 and 2009, they won just 37.6% of their games, ranking third worst in the league. They had only five playoff wins in 14 years, barely above the Vancouver Grizzlies, who eventually relocated. Anyone predicting Warriors dominance in 2009 would have been laughed out of the room.

Then came Steph Curry, who didn’t join a pre-existing dynasty or chase easy rings. Instead, he helped build a powerhouse from scratch. Unlike his peers who frequently switched teams chasing championships, Curry stayed loyal through thick and thin. When the Warriors collapsed to a 15–50 record in 2020 and media declared the dynasty dead, Steph didn’t demand a trade or complain publicly. He kept working, believing in the team.

His peers’ paths contrast sharply. LeBron James changed teams four times, Kevin Durant bounced around four franchises, and James Harden holds the record with five teams. Superstar movement is the norm today, but Curry’s loyalty stands out as almost old-fashioned.

In 2022, Curry led a depleted Warriors team to a championship and finally won his first Finals MVP, proving he could win without Kevin Durant. That victory silenced critics who claimed the dynasty was a fluke or reliant on superstars. When everything fell apart, Curry carried the team to glory.

At nearly 38, Curry’s elite performance defies aging trends for guards. He averages over 28 points per game with remarkable shooting percentages and has 44 games scoring 40+ points after turning 30—a mark tied with Michael Jordan. Guards typically decline faster, but Curry’s longevity rivals the best.

Beyond stats, Curry’s professionalism and humility separate him. In an era where stars air grievances on podcasts and social media, Curry stays focused and loyal. He never publicly criticizes teammates or management, maintaining a culture of respect and leadership.

Comparing Curry to legends like Kobe, Magic, or Duncan is common, but the more compelling contrast is with his own generation. While others chased superteams, Curry built a dynasty through perseverance and belief. His 30s alone include two championships, seven All-NBA selections, a scoring title, and a Finals MVP.

Importantly, Curry transformed basketball itself. His deep shooting changed offensive strategies league-wide. Teams now take dozens of threes per game, and young players emulate his style. Few athletes change their sport’s very nature, and Curry is in that elite group.

His self-ranking behind Jordan and Kobe makes sense when considering not just trophies but character, loyalty, innovation, and sustained excellence. The real question is why so many resist including him in the greatest-of-all-time conversation when his credentials keep growing.

Steph Curry’s legacy is not just about numbers, but about redefining greatness on his own terms—loyalty over opportunism, innovation over tradition, and resilience over shortcuts.