NBA

Suns legend Steve Nash delivers strong message about Stephen Curry's place in the NBA GOAT debate

Stephen Curry is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of this century, but he is often excluded from discussions surrounding the greatest NBA player of all time. Phoenix Suns icon Steve Nash recently weighed in on this debate.

Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts during the second half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors
Ā© Cole BurstonStephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts during the second half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors

The Golden State Warriors have experienced the most successful stretch in their history over the past decade, with a significant part of that success attributed to the immense impact Stephen Curry has had on the league. His performances have solidified his place among the most remarkable players in NBA history. Yet, despite his accomplishments, the guard is frequently left out of all-time great debates, a point Phoenix Suns legend Steve Nash recently addressed.

ā€œI think in some ways he’s underappreciated,ā€ Nash said during a recent interview with Flashscore. ā€œYou know, his impact on the game, the way he was able to be an MVP and a champion in a new way, shooting impossible shots at a high percentage, the way he impacts defenses even when he doesn’t have the ball, like, it’s remarkable.ā€

Steve Nash went on to highlight that Curry’s achievements are even more impressive considering he competes against players who possess more typical NBA traits. ā€œAt the same time, you know, he’s not physically imposing like some of the other great players. He’s not 6’9ā€, like Magic Johnson or Larry Bird,ā€ the Suns legend explained.

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ā€œHe’s not a 7’0ā€ dominant center like some we’ve had. And he’s not an elite, explosive athlete like Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant,ā€ Nash remarked. ā€œSo it’s hard to say where he stacks up, but I will say that his impact is way, way up there with almost anyone who’s ever played the game. I think his maximizing of his talent is just incredible.ā€

Former Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash.

Former Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash.

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Nash was an inspiration to many current guards

In the same interview, Nash was asked about the influence he had on guards who came after him, with some of them expressing their admiration for his career. ā€œThat’s incredible. I admire these guys a lot,ā€ he said.

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ā€œSo to hear them, whether it’s Curry, Jalen Brunson, or Trae Young, say that they idolized you growing up is an incredible compliment, right?ā€ Steve continued, before reflecting on his own experiences as a young player.

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ā€œI remember what it felt like for me to idolize Isaiah Thomas, Tim Hardaway, or whoever, you know, I was looking up to, and how special it was to have someone who inspired you every day,ā€ the Suns legend explained. ā€œAnd so for someone to say that about you, it means a tremendous amount. I mean, I love watching those guys play, and they all are just special, special players.ā€

Curry’s NBA legacy

Four NBA championships with the Warriors, two league MVP awards, one Finals MVP, two scoring titles, and eleven All-Star selections are just a few of the honors Stephen Curry has accumulated during his 16-season NBA career. Additionally, he currently holds the record for the most three-pointers made in league history, with a substantial lead over the next closest player, James Harden.

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These accomplishments have cemented Curry’s status as one of the most outstanding players of his generation and of the 21st century. However, he is still rarely mentioned in discussions about the greatest players of all time. Icons like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Magic Johnson tend to dominate such debates, with Curry often relegated to a secondary spot alongside other basketball icons.

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