What NBA Legends Really Think About Steph Curry: Beyond the Three-Point Revolution

Stephen Curry has transformed basketball in ways few players ever have, but how do the NBA’s greatest legends truly view the Golden State Warriors superstar?

From Michael Jordan’s pointed remarks to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s glowing praise, the opinions of these icons reveal a complex picture of Curry’s impact on the game.

Is he the greatest shooter ever?

Could he dominate in past eras?

And how does his style compare to legends who redefined the sport decades ago?

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Let’s explore what the all-time greats really think about Steph Curry.

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Since entering the league in 2009 from Davidson College, Curry has steadily rewritten the NBA’s playbook.

His two MVP awards and three championships speak to his success, but his influence extends far beyond trophies.

Curry’s unprecedented shooting range and fearless style have changed how basketball is played at every level, inspiring a new generation of players to shoot from deep and move with precision.

Michael Jordan, often considered the greatest of all time, initially sparked controversy with a 2019 comment suggesting Curry wasn’t yet a Hall of Famer.

Many took this literally, but it later emerged that Jordan was joking—though his competitive nature always keeps the debate lively.

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Jordan has been clear that while he respects Curry’s shooting prowess, he believes his own 1990s Bulls teams would outmatch Curry’s Warriors in a head-to-head showdown.

Still, Jordan acknowledges Curry’s revolutionary impact on the game, even if he won’t concede the crown.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA’s all-time scoring leader, is a vocal admirer of Curry.

He calls Curry the greatest pure shooter he’s ever seen, praising his limitless range and confidence.

Kareem credits Curry with sparking a basketball evolution, shifting the focus from driving to the basket to dominating from the perimeter.

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This shift has reshaped coaching, player development, and strategy across the league, making Curry’s influence undeniable.

Magic Johnson also defends Curry, dismissing Jordan’s joke and naming Curry a surefire Hall of Famer.

Magic highlights Curry’s toughness and ability to shoot from anywhere, insisting that his game could translate across eras.

Calling Curry one of the greatest clutch players he’s witnessed, Magic’s praise carries weight given his own legendary career as a Showtime Lakers point guard.

Shaquille O’Neal’s perspective is more nuanced.

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Early in Curry’s career, Shaq doubted that a player so reliant on three-point shooting could succeed.

But after Curry’s breakout 54-point game in 2013 and subsequent championships, Shaq’s respect grew.

He now calls Curry his favorite player and credits him with transforming the NBA’s style of play.

However, Shaq remains confident that his dominant Lakers teams of the late ’90s and early 2000s would have stifled Curry’s Warriors, emphasizing the physicality of past eras.

Larry Bird praises Curry’s shooting but notes how the modern game’s rules favor shooters like him.

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Bird suggests that in previous decades, Curry would have faced much tougher physical defense, possibly preventing him from getting open as easily.

Still, Bird admires Curry’s freedom to shoot from anywhere on the court and acknowledges how much the game has evolved around that skill.

Reggie Miller, one of the greatest shooters of his time, admires Curry’s fearless belief in his shot.

Miller points out that Curry’s confidence and shooting make him a threat anywhere on the floor.

Their mutual respect is evident, with Miller often praising Curry’s accomplishments and competitiveness, even as Curry surpassed Miller’s all-time three-point records.

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Allen Iverson recognizes Curry’s unique impact on basketball, crediting him with redefining what it means to be a superstar.

Iverson notes that while many tried to emulate Michael Jordan’s style, Curry carved his own path through exceptional shooting and off-ball movement.

Their mutual respect is visible in their warm interactions courtside.

Charles Barkley has been more critical, initially hesitant to call Curry a true star despite his success.

Barkley questioned Curry’s playmaking and durability, famously calling him “just a great shooter.”

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Despite some tension, including public disagreements involving teammates, Barkley’s critiques highlight the ongoing debate around Curry’s overall game beyond shooting.

Steve Nash offers a different angle, seeing Curry as an evolution of his own playing style.

Nash praises Curry’s deep shooting range and off-ball movement, acknowledging Curry’s unique blend of skills that set him apart.

Having worked closely with the Warriors, Nash calls Curry a “walking piece of history,” underscoring his lasting influence.

Dwyane Wade, known for his aggressive slashing style, admires Curry’s off-ball movement and ability to create space.

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Wade recalls guarding Curry and being impressed by his quick cuts and precision despite a smaller frame.

Their battles on the court showcased contrasting styles but mutual respect, with Wade naming Curry his favorite player to watch today.

The debate over Curry’s place among NBA greats continues.

Jordan and Shaq question how Curry’s game would hold up in past eras defined by physicality and different styles.

Others like Magic, Kareem, and Nash emphasize his transformative impact and timeless skills.

What’s clear is that Curry’s shooting revolution has forever altered basketball’s landscape.