LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Shaq & Others Finally Reveal What They Think About Steph Curry

Only a few players have had the kind of impact that Steph Curry has had in basketball. Widely regarded as the greatest shooter the game has ever seen, Curry’s playing style has drawn admiration from legends and current stars alike. From his pinpoint shooting to his basketball IQ, Curry has flattered everyone with his uncommon playing style. Let’s look at how other NBA players and legends view Steph.

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Steph Curry’s journey in basketball is nothing short of extraordinary. Widely regarded as the greatest shooter of all time, Curry has left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring admiration from both legends of the game and his peers. His impact goes far beyond statistics or championship rings; he has transformed the way basketball is played and understood, ushering in a new era dominated by the three-point shot.

The Birth of a Game-Changer

LeBron James once said that Curry completely changed the game, making the phrase “no lead is safe” a reality. Before Curry, teams with a comfortable lead could relax, but his unprecedented ability to hit shots from anywhere on the court shifted the entire basketball paradigm. For LeBron, Curry’s influence is on par with Michael Jordan and Allen Iverson, two of the most iconic players in NBA history. Curry’s rise sent a clear message: even players without towering height or brute strength could dominate the game through skill, precision, and basketball IQ.

A Friendship Forged Off the Court

Curry’s bond with his Golden State Warriors teammate Klay Thompson, one-half of the famed “Splash Brothers,” didn’t start immediately. During their early seasons, they barely spoke. But their relationship blossomed during a Team USA training camp in the Canary Islands. With downtime to spare, they played golf and got to know each other, setting the foundation for a partnership that would redefine basketball with their unparalleled shooting.

Hard Work and Evolution

As Curry’s career progressed, his dedication to improving every aspect of his game became evident. Early in his career, his slender frame and lack of physicality were seen as weaknesses. But he hit the weight room with unmatched determination, strengthening his body and transforming himself into an unstoppable force. Players like Draymond Green and Kyrie Irving have often praised Curry’s relentless work ethic and his mental clarity. For Green, Curry’s self-awareness and confidence are what make him truly special.

A Revolution in Shooting

Magic Johnson noted that Curry didn’t just master the three-point shot—he revolutionized it. What was once a secondary weapon became the centerpiece of modern basketball, thanks to Curry’s effortless range and accuracy. Today’s young players are more likely to emulate Curry’s deep threes than aspire to dunk like Jordan. This shift in focus underscores how profoundly Curry has influenced the game’s culture.

Paul George summed it up well: “You’re a GOAT to me if the league changes because of you.” For George, Curry’s transformative impact on how basketball is played cements his legacy among the greatest of all time. Dwyane Wade echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Curry’s influence on the game is so significant that the traditional “Mount Rushmore” of basketball legends needs to expand to include him.

Admiration from Legends

Shaquille O’Neal joked that Curry is “messing the game up,” as kids now warm up by shooting 100-footers. Yet Shaq also acknowledged that Curry has given smaller players a chance to shine in a game historically dominated by size and power. Similarly, Kobe Bryant recognized Curry’s unique blend of technical skill and mental poise. For Kobe, Curry’s calm demeanor under pressure and ability to execute flawlessly made him a “serious problem” for defenders.

Lessons Learned by Opponents

Facing Curry is a humbling experience, as many players have admitted. Josh Richardson recalled his first matchup with Curry in 2015-16. Determined to shut him down, Richardson played aggressive defense. But by the end of the game, Curry had scored 42 points, leaving Richardson in disbelief. “It’s like trying to catch lightning in a bottle,” he admitted.

Andre Iguodala, Curry’s longtime teammate, has witnessed firsthand how Curry’s consistency and mental toughness set him apart. Iguodala pointed out that even fierce defenders like Patrick Beverley acknowledge the need to be at their absolute best to guard Curry. This level of preparation underscores the respect Curry commands across the league.

The Relentless Off-Ball Movement

Curry’s ability to move without the ball is perhaps his most underrated skill. Players like Austin Reaves and Alex Caruso have highlighted how exhausting it is to chase him around the court. Caruso noted that Curry’s off-ball movement creates constant confusion and drains defenders’ energy, leaving them vulnerable to his lethal shooting. Grant Williams described Curry’s presence on the court as “gravity,” forcing defenses to react to him even when he doesn’t have the ball.

Rewriting Records and Inspiring the Next Generation

Reggie Miller, one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, compared Curry’s influence to that of Michael Jordan. While Jordan revolutionized the aerial aspect of the game, Curry has elevated shooting to an art form. Young players who can’t dunk like Jordan can still dream of shooting like Curry, making him an inspiration for millions worldwide.

Richard Jefferson and Iman Shumpert recalled moments when Curry’s brilliance left them speechless. Jefferson marveled at how Curry broke his own three-point record, going from 250 threes in a season to an astonishing 400. Shumpert remembered a game at Madison Square Garden where Curry dropped 50 points, signaling the beginning of his dominance.

A Legacy Beyond Numbers

Even opponents can’t help but admire Curry’s artistry. Evan Turner shared a story about watching Curry hit three straight shots and feeling like a fan despite being on the opposing bench. It’s a testament to Curry’s ability to transcend competition and remind everyone of the pure joy of basketball.

As Reggie Miller aptly put it, “Steph Curry’s impact on the game is undeniable.” He has changed how basketball is played and inspired a generation to believe in the power of skill, creativity, and hard work. Whether it’s his pinpoint shooting, relentless movement, or unshakable confidence, Curry’s influence will be felt for decades to come. In the end, his legacy isn’t just about the records he’s broken but about how he’s made the impossible look routine, forever altering the game of basketball.

See More: Sources: Maverick Carter advising $5B effort to start new basketball league

Maverick Carter, LeBron James’ business manager, has been enlisted as an adviser by a group of investors seeking to raise $5 billion to form an international basketball league that would serve as a rival to the NBA, sources told ESPN, confirming a story first reported Thursday by Bloomberg.

The group — which includes multiple private equity funds — is looking to form a league consisting of six men’s teams and six women’s teams, playing games around the world, sources told ESPN.

Although Carter, who has served as a producer on more than one of James’ TV and movie projects, is closely tied to the Los Angeles Lakers star, sources told ESPN that James is not involved in the efforts with this new league.

James, whose current Lakers contract includes a player option for the 2025-26 season, has expressed interest in becoming an NBA owner once his playing career comes to an end.

Sources told ESPN that LeBron James is not involved in the efforts with the proposed international league to rival the NBA, although his business partner Maverick Carter (left) has been enlisted as an adviser by the league’s prospective investors. Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images

Bloomberg reported that the investment group might try to tap private equity and sovereign wealth funds to raise the $5 billion it is seeking. Currently, private equity funds are limited to a 20% stake in NBA teams and are not allowed to serve in governing roles.

The NBA has not faced a significant rival 5-on-5 league since the 1970s, when the short-lived American Basketball Association went under and the NBA absorbed four of its teams — the Pacers, Nets, Nuggets and Spurs. The WNBA was beaten to market by the rival American Basketball League in the 1990s, although that league folded after 2½ seasons.

This season, a new 3-on-3 women’s league, Unrivaled, is starting up and has filled its rosters with many of the WNBA’s biggest stars, though rookie sensation Caitlin Clark chose not to participate.