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.
“I think in some ways he’s underappreciated,” Nash said during a recent interview with Flashscore. “You 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.”
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. “At the same time, you know, he’s not physically imposing like some of the other great players. He’s not 6’9”, like Magic Johnson or Larry Bird,” the Suns legend explained.
“He’s not a 7’0” dominant center like some we’ve had. And he’s not an elite, explosive athlete like Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant,” Nash remarked. “So 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.”
Former Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash.
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. “That’s incredible. I admire these guys a lot,” he said.
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“So to hear them, whether it’s Curry, Jalen Brunson, or Trae Young, say that they idolized you growing up is an incredible compliment, right?” Steve continued, before reflecting on his own experiences as a young player.
“I 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,” the Suns legend explained. “And 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.”
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.
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.
