In a sports landscape often defined by heated debates and shifting narratives, few voices carry the weight of a legend like Carmelo Anthony. Recently, the future Hall of Famer dropped some unfiltered truths about Stephen Curry that have reignited the conversation around the “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT) hierarchy. But this wasn’t just generic praise; it was a deeply analytical and emotional breakdown of what separates the Golden State Warriors superstar from his peers—and why his legacy might just be the most unique we’ve ever seen.
The “Mike, Kobe, Steph” Tier
“How you gonna sit there and tell me Steph is not in that conversation?” Melo asked, echoing the sentiments of millions of fans who have watched Curry dismantle defenses for over a decade. Anthony went a step further, speculating on how Steph likely views his own standing in history: “It’s Mike, it’s Kobe, and then it’s me.”
It’s a bold claim, but one backed by a resume that is becoming impossible to argue against. When you talk about the most iconic, decorated, and influential players of the last decade, Curry’s name doesn’t just belong on the list; he arguably headlines it. He didn’t just play the game; he broke it and rebuilt it in his image. From forcing defenses to guard him at half-court to normalizing the three-point revolution, Steph’s fingerprints are on every single NBA game played today.
Defying Father Time: The MJ Comparison
One of the most striking points Melo raised is the sheer absurdity of what Steph is doing at age 38. In a league where athleticism usually wanes and production dips, Curry is aging like fine wine. “He slides toward 38 like age forgot his address,” the analysis notes.
The numbers are staggering. In the 2025-2026 context, Steph is still dropping 28.5 points a night, shooting efficiently, and leaving defenders bewildered. But here is the stat that truly puts him in the pantheon of gods: When you check NBA history for 40-point games after turning 30, only two names sit at the top. It’s Stephen Curry and Michael Jordan, tied at 44 games.
That isn’t just hype; that is historic dominance. Yet, as Melo points out, Steph’s longevity often gets brushed aside while peers like LeBron James and Kevin Durant receive non-stop praise for their endurance. The reality? Steph is a smaller guard, constantly running off screens, taking bumps, and snapping ankles in a physical league, yet he remains just as lethal as he was in his mid-20s.
The Loyalty Factor: Staying When It Got Ugly
Perhaps the most potent part of Anthony’s take revolves around loyalty—a currency that has seemingly devalued in the modern “player empowerment” era. We live in a time where superstars frequently request trades, team up with rivals, or jump ship the moment a roster looks shaky. LeBron, Durant, Harden, Kawhi—they all moved to find better situations.
Steph Curry did the opposite.
“A lot of legends had stats, rings, and talent, but they didn’t have patience,” the commentary highlights. “When things got rough, they dipped. Steph stayed.”
The contrast is stark. Following the departure of Kevin Durant and the devastating injuries to Klay Thompson, the Warriors plummeted. In 2020, they were dead last in the league with a 15-50 record. The dynasty was declared dead. The media wrote their obituary. Most stars in Steph’s position would have looked for an exit ramp. Instead, Steph clocked in, kept his head down, and led by example.
He didn’t complain to the press. He didn’t create locker room drama. He weathered the storm of a “basketball desert”—a franchise that, pre-Steph (1995-2009), had the second-lowest playoff wins in the league. He dragged that franchise back from the abyss to win the 2022 Championship, a ring that many, including Melo, argue is the most important of his career. That 2022 title silenced every critic who said he couldn’t win without a superteam.
The Last True OG
Carmelo Anthony’s respect for Steph seems to stem from a place of shared understanding of how hard it is to win in the NBA. Melo tried to build something in New York; Shaq left Orlando; even dominant players couldn’t always hold a franchise together through the lean years.
Steph Curry stands as the “last true OG superstar” of his generation who didn’t run when things got uncomfortable. He built the culture, he maintained the culture, and he is currently carrying the franchise into its next era.
As we watch the 2026 season unfold, with Steph still burying deep threes and shimmying on opponents, we are witnessing something rare. We are seeing a legacy built on stability, skill, and an unwavering belief in “sticking it out.”
So, is Steph Curry in the GOAT conversation? If you ask Carmelo Anthony, the argument is already over. Steph didn’t just chase rings; he stayed put and let the rings come to him. And that, in the history of basketball, is a level of greatness that stands entirely on its own.
