In a guest appearance on 'Undisputed' this week, Celtics legend Paul Pierce explained why Stephen Curry is the most influential player in NBA history. Pierce says his influence on the game is unparalleled to anything else we've seen and it's evident during every regular-season game.
"Since Steph's influence on the NBA, there's been more 20-point comebacks because teams are shooting the ball more from three," said Pierce . "They're trapping players, they're signing bigs who can shoot the three. [Steph Curry’s] influence on the game has been greater than [LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant]… I watched the Celtics game last night and their first 10 shots were three-pointers. Everybody thinks they can be Steph. The kids now around America believe they can be Steph. They know they can't be Jordan, or LeBron, or Kobe."
People often that Michael Jordan is the NBA's most influential player ever just based on what he did for the sport, the culture, and the league itself. There was a stretch in the late 90s when he was among the most popular people on the planet.
Today, while Steph Curry may not be as beloved as Jordan was, it's hard to argue that he didn't change things at a level that nobody else has. During the Warriors' first breakout season in 2014-15, it was Steph who led the way for them and his mastery of long-distance shooting and it exposed the entire league to how dangerous the three-pointer could be when utilized to maximum efficiency.
Today, four titles and two MVPs later, Curry set the stage for what has become a three-point revolution. The shot is not just popular in the league today; it's necessary for survival by any player who wants to enjoy a long and prosperous career. It's Steph who made things the way they are, and whether you love him or hate him, you have to acknowledge how special his run has been.
Is Stephen Curry The Greatest Point Guard Ever?
Stephen Curry is just one of many NBA superstars who have left their mark on the game, but Steph's resume and his impact on the game itself puts him in special company as one of the all-time greats.
In 14 seasons so far, Curry is averaging 24.8 points, 6.4 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game on 47.3% shooting. He's a 4x champion, 2x MVP, 10x All-Star, and 9x All-NBA player. This season marks his 15th with the Warriors and while Golden State is only 10th in the West, Steph's presence gives them a chance against anyone.
Recently, Curry has found himself mixed up in all kinds of GOAT talk, including from his fellow peers who have had a lot of good things to say. Over the past few years, both Draymond Green and Kevin Durant have tagged Curry as the greatest point guard ever and nobody can say he doesn't at least belong in the conversation.
Without Steph, the NBA wouldn't be what it is today and the game might resemble something completely unrecognizable from the modern product. But no matter your thoughts on the "new" NBA, this is a product of Steph's doing and very few players have ever reached that level of influence.
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