The All-Star vote is in full swing, with Curry and James in the top two among The Western Conference players, and Curry's lead is not small, and it is very likely to become the first person to take the captainship from James.
As old rivals who have met in the finals for four consecutive years, the two are always inevitably compared. Recently, ESPN columnist bill Simmons, a well-known media personality, talked about two people in a show.
Simmons said: "If we talk about it from the big picture, then Curry really changed the way basketball is played, and if he can reach the Finals a few times early in his career and win two rings, maybe the career height will be higher." I've always thought James was a better player than Curry, but that comparison was limited to achievements. ”
He added: "But if we add something else, like the impact on basketball, Curry is definitely ahead of the curve in changing the way basketball is played." Curry has really changed the way basketball is a sport, the way young people play, the way they resonate with young people, and that's something James didn't have. ”
"James has been the best player in the league for the last 15 years, and he also has one of the greatest careers in NBA history. But you wouldn't say he changed the way basketball is played. He's been refining something on the pitch that has been there in the past. Curry really changed basketball. ”
I have to say that Bill Simmons's speech is very artistic, affirming the greatness of James, and also affirming that James is better than Curry in terms of comprehensive strength, but bluntly saying that he did not change the way basketball is played, and Curry has done this, to some extent, with the help of James to praise Curry, affirming that Curry has made basketball progress.
Although there is bound to be some controversy in the rhetoric, but there is indeed some truth, Curry has indeed changed the way basketball is played, his appearance and the Warriors' championship performance has accelerated the arrival of the small ball era, changed the traditional concept of "jump shots can not win the championship", and also made more and more players and teams turn three-pointers into conventional weapons, making the current NBA game style become completely different.
In terms of the impact on the sport of basketball, Curry's appearance has indeed affected more young people, giving confidence to many young people who are not physically talented, and his way of playing has indeed triggered young people to imitate.
By comparison, James hasn't driven a shift in basketball style and style of play, but his versatility and absolute talent ensure he can adapt to any style of play.
In terms of the impact on the way young people play, because James's way of playing is based on absolute talent, his height, strength, speed and bounce are all human tops, so it is too difficult for young people to imitate his way of playing, and without absolutely outstanding physical conditions, it is absolutely impossible to play like him. So naturally imitators of him will not imitate Curry as many.
So, Simmons' point is actually not wrong, James is a greater and better player than Curry, but Curry has changed the way basketball is played.