Stephen Curry and the GOAT Discussion

Stephen Curry has all the hardware credentials to be in the GOAT conversation. He has four NBA championships, leading the Golden State Warriors to establish a dynasty that has dominated the league for years. With two regular season MVP awards and one Finals MVP, Curry's leadership has been instrumental in the Warriors' success. From their first championship in 2015 to their fourth in 2022, the Warriors have consistently made deep playoff runs and appeared in multiple Finals, making them perennial title contenders. Additionally, Curry's Warriors set a record-breaking 73-win season in 2015-16, a feat unmatched in NBA history.

In terms of personal accolades, Curry's resume is equally impressive. Apart from his MVP awards, he holds the NBA record for most three-pointers made with 3,519, surpassing Ray Allen's previous record of 2,973. He has been selected to the All-Star team nine times, named to the All-NBA team nine times, and has won two scoring titles and one steals title. Curry's resume also includes being among the NBA's 75 greatest players of all time. Since 2014, he has consistently added to his list of honors, with the exception of the 2019-20 season when he was sidelined by injury.

The number of championships is a definitive criterion for inclusion in the GOAT discussion in NBA history. Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James, all have at least three championships to their name. Curry's championships earned in the second decade of the 21st century put him in the same conversation as LeBron James, who is also a strong contender for the GOAT title.

Furthermore, Curry's rise to prominence coincided with the Warriors' ascendancy, particularly his back-to-back MVP wins in 2015 and 2016, the latter being a unanimous decision, which further elevated his popularity. The convergence of the Warriors' championship success and Curry's individual brilliance was seamless, with no gaps or lulls in their dominance.

What sets Curry apart is his incredible influence on modern basketball and his impact on fans. He has revolutionized the game, shifting the focus from flashy dunks to the three-point shot. Despite his average height for an NBA player, Curry has achieved remarkable success and inspired countless basketball enthusiasts to believe that they too can excel on the court. He has become an idol for millions, admired not only for his skills but also for his genuine character and lack of off-court controversies. Curry's all-encompassing perfection is truly remarkable.

The players included in the GOAT discussion are those who have had the most profound impact on the game of basketball during their respective eras. Bill Russell established the importance of defense in winning championships, while Michael Jordan solidified the dominance of guards in the league, shattering the notion that a dominant center was a necessity for a championship team. Kobe Bryant, with his "Mamba Mentality," was revered by all, and his five championships and historic 81-point game further cemented his legacy. Tim Duncan perfected the art of the old-school bank shot and captured five championships, spanning over three decades.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron James, however, stand out as exceptions, as their careers have spanned multiple decades, consistently achieving greatness and setting records. They have both surpassed the NBA's all-time scoring record, with their championship victories and numerous appearances in the Finals further solidifying their GOAT status. In comparison to these legends, Stephen Curry's accomplishments hold their ground.

Curry may not be in direct competition with Michael Jordan, but he deserves to be included in the GOAT discussion. It is a distinction that only a handful of NBA players can claim. This is Stephen Curry's well-deserved glory.