Recently, Curry added himself to the NBA's list of the best quarterbacks, and the debate focused on: Who is the greatest point guard of all time - Stephen Curry or Magic Johnson?
In an age day and age where it's no secret that almost everyone has accepted the fact that Magic Johnson is the best point guard, Curry's bold statement is a huge plot twist, especially for those who tend to be biased in the game.
Interestingly, all five believe that Stephen Curry has replaced Magic Johnson as the greatest point guard in NBA history, and we rank them according to the importance of their voices.
5. Quinn Cook
Quinn Cook played two seasons with Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors, reaching the Finals twice and winning the 2018 championship.
Cook said in a recent podcast: "No bias, it's just, I really believe, there's no disrespect for people who have done this before, and I don't think there are better point guards... I have to go, Stephen. He is the winner. He's won MVP and championship, and he's still moving forward. I just think he changed the rules of the game. ”
Currently, Cook, who is currently a free agent after his contract with CBA Zhejiang expired, clarified that he did not see Johnson play. "Obviously, I don't see how magicians perform every day," he said.
4. Isaiah Thomas
Isaiah Thomas, known as the "175th strongest on the surface", is also one of Stephen Curry's peers in the NBA.
In 2021, in an NBA Twitter (now known as X) Live interview, Thomas Jr. put Curry above Johnson, saying, "I chose Stephen Curry, he changed the whole world of basketball."
Isaiah Thomas put Johnson second, Isaiah Thomas – who has nothing to do with Thomas Jr. – third, Chris Paul fourth, and Kyrie Irving fifth.
3. Andre Iguodala
Andre Iguodala knows Stephen Curry better than Quinn Cook and Isaiah Thomas, and he believes Curry cemented his position as the best point guard of all time as he led the Warriors to the 2022 Finals MVP.
The 2015 Finals MVP said after winning in 2022: "I think he solidified his position, not today, but his career to be the best point guard ever."
2. Shaquille O'Neill
Somehow, O'Neal, the big shark, who is now an analyst on NBA TNT television, had the privilege of witnessing the end of Magic Johnson's career and the beginning of Stephen Curry's legendary career.
However, the above fact may have been a factor in his choice of Curry over Johnson on his podcast, saying:
"You have to say Curry is the best point guard ever."
He then recalled a conversation with TNT NBA analyst Jamal Crawford, who argued that Curry was "not a traditional point guard," to which he replied, "I said, 'Dude, he's listed as a point guard.'" ”
O'Neill continued: "The game has evolved. His position reads 'point guard'. ”
1. Colin Coward
Colin Coward probably gave the best reason why he would rank Stephen Curry ahead of Magic Johnson as the best point guard of all time. The main factor is: continuity.
On his own podcast, Cowherd said while discussing a 50-point game for Curry, "Curry at 35 still has a long way to go, and the Magic retired at 31. ”
Stephen Curry vs. Magic Johnson career comparison
To give you an idea of why this controversy flared up, let's take a look at the career recap of these two players.
Because of his height, "Magic" Johnson was supposed to play forward, but because his ball control, dribbling and passing skills were too advanced for wingers, big men and even ordinary point guards, Johnson was placed in the point guard position.
However, since his stature is too big for a point guard, Johnson is known for his versatility and ability to play multiple positions.
It was evident when he played center in Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals series, when Kareem Abdul Abdul-Jabbar missed the game due to an ankle injury.
The only time Johnson didn't play point guard was in the 1995-1996 season, his final season in the NBA, when he played power forward.
Meanwhile, as Crawford and O'Neal argue, Stephen Curry is not a traditional point guard.
Curry is a top-scoring point guard; That is, before choosing to pass, he will take matters into his own hands.
However, he came to an era where point guards could score as many points as possible. Curry likely perfected the "modern point guard" with his three-pointers, breaking NBA regular season and playoff three-point records.
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