Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in NBA history. A six-time champion and essential piece of the Bulls’ dynasty, Pippen built his legacy on elite defensive versatility and scoring ability. Yet, when it comes to facing one of today’s most dominant offensive forces, even he admits there’s one player he wouldn’t want to guard: Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry.
There’s a difference between being a great shooter and being a transcendent one. Curry’s shooting mechanics are textbook—quick release, perfect arc, and seemingly unlimited range. But what separates him from everyone else is his ability to fire from anywhere on the floor, forcing defenses into uncharted territory. His impact stretches beyond his individual scoring; his presence alone shifts defensive schemes, leaving openings for teammates and creating havoc for opposing defenses. That’s exactly what concerns Pippen.
“When these guys are getting two, three touches on one possession, I wouldn’t want to defend him,” Pippen said in an interview with ESPN. “In the days that I played this game, I’ve never seen a guy other than [Curry]. Maybe a Reggie Miller, where you just didn’t want him to touch the ball. But Steph has got the defense extended, 35 feet away from the basket. That’s unheard of. And how do you defend that?“
Pippen continued, emphasizing Curry’s ability to dictate defensive attention unlike any player before him. “It’s about the threat and pressure he puts on your defense night in and night out,” Pippen added. “At no time in history have we seen a player be able to extend the team defense like this guy.”
Stretching the floor like no one before
Pippen’s comparison of Curry to Reggie Miller is intriguing. Miller was one of the most feared shooters of the ’90s, known for his off-ball movement and clutch shot-making. However, Curry presents an entirely different challenge—he’s just as lethal off the dribble as he is off the catch. His ability to pull up from 30-plus feet forces defenders to pick him up at half-court, an adjustment that was virtually unheard of before his era.
This extended range provides massive spacing advantages for his teammates. Defenders who would typically sag off to protect the paint are instead forced to stick with Curry, opening lanes for his teammates to cut or drive. This is why the Warriors’ offensive system, built around Curry’s gravity, has been so dominant for over a decade.
Does Curry’s impact cement his place among the all-time greats?
Pippen’s comments spark an interesting debate—should Curry be ranked even higher on the all-time list because of his impact on the game?
Traditional discussions about NBA greatness often focus on championships, individual stats, and accolades. However, Curry’s influence goes beyond numbers. The modern NBA revolves around three-point shooting largely because of him, and teams now prioritize floor spacing, shooting, and offensive versatility more than ever.
If one of the greatest defenders in NBA history openly admits that guarding Curry would be an impossible task, it speaks volumes about his legacy. He hasn’t just dominated the game—he has redefined it. That’s a distinction few players in history can claim.
As the debate over the NBA greatest players of all time continues, Curry’s influence on both offensive evolution and defensive strategy remains one of the strongest arguments for his place among basketball’s immortals.