Is Steph Curry already the best shooter in NBA history?

[Red Storm]

Last year Steph was already the best shooter in the history of basketball. He shoots so easily, so quickly, and it's always surprising when he misses.

 

[Childs]

Rodman in his day was worth watching specifically. There is not a 30 on 30 on him (there should be) but I there is a documentary on him that is worth watching. Netflix maybe?

I think there was one at one time. I remember watching something that went into his background. That he was homeless as a child and was raised by a white family, which provided context for his comments about Larry Bird. I think it was done by Real Sports with Bryant Gumble or 60 mins.

 

[Retro Rob]

Is Curry the best shooter in the NBA? Yes. Is he the best shooter in NBA history? No.

 

[smackababy]

I think there was one at one time. I remember watching something that went into his background. That he was homeless and a child and was raised by a white family, which provided context for his comments about Larry Bird. I think it was done by Real Sports with Bryant Gumble or 60 mins.

There may be one, or at least an e:60. I know there is one one the Bad Boys that goes into just how special he was. They even go and say in Detroit he was the mild mannered one.

 

[Adrenaline]

20 games, let's see after 82

I could see Curry keeping this up over 82 games barring any recurring ankle problems.

Also, Jordan played defense about as relentless as he played offense. Jordan had nine all defensive first team selections and won a defensive player of the year. Playing defense that hard also wears down on you for offense.

 

[Retro Rob]

I could see Curry keeping this up over 82 games barring any recurring ankle problems.

Also, Jordan played defense about as relentless as he played offense. Jordan had nine all defensive first team selections and won a defensive player of the year. Playing defense that hard also wears down on you for offense.

Agree completely.

This is why many players *coughs* James Harden *coughs* take nights off on defense.

You have to have superior drive and athleticism to play BOTH ends effectively like Jordan did.

 

[fuzzymitx]

You're simply wrong, Steph is averaging 33.6 points per 36 this year, a number that MJ has never reached. Furthermore, Steph rarely ever plays 36 minutes anyway (he averaged 32 last year), and recent stats show that his production increases as his minutes go up. It's not linear, like Per 36 Min stat will extrapolate. Simply put, Steph's numbers have to be extrapolate UP as his minutes go UP. Sounds crazy, I know but that is what we're seeing out of the kid.

What has to do with scoring is a sample size larger than your 1/4 of a season this year. get off his jock strap son.

 

[11thHour]

Agree completely.

This is why many players *coughs* James Harden *coughs* take nights off on defense.

You have to have superior drive and athleticism to play BOTH ends effectively like Jordan did.

His endurance was off the charts. To be able to go as hard as he did (especially when he was younger) and still have exceptional offensive skills, mental focus, and overall energy in the 4th was the foundation of what made him great imo. Most other players pace themselves throughout the game, and that 'pace' is a fraction of what Jordan's total output was, and as a result, so is their overall contribution, including when closing out games. When curry decides he wants to be 1st team defense, then we'll see if he's really all that.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

There may be one, or at least an e:60. I know there is one one the Bad Boys that goes into just how special he was. They even go and say in Detroit he was the mild mannered one.

He was "normal" at the beginning of his career. Not sure when he went off the tracks. Definitely was off the tracks when in Chicago.

Oh, on that note. Phil Jackson (Bulls coach) did say in a documentary that Dennis Rodman is the greatest athlete he has ever seen. Jackson was saying this in terms of his endurance I think. He was known to rid an exercise bike for 1-2 hours after each game.

 

[Retro Rob]

His endurance was off the charts. To be able to go as hard as he did (especially when he was younger) and still have exceptional offensive skills, mental focus, and overall energy in the 4th was the foundation of what made him great imo. Most other players pace themselves throughout the game, and that 'pace' is a fraction of what Jordan's total output was, and as a result, so is their overall contribution, including when closing out games. When curry decides he wants to be 1st team defense, then we'll see if he's really all that.

This is why Jordan is the greatest ever, and why not even Lebron James won't be.

I don't recall Jordan looking to play less minutes to save himself for the post season, I don't recall that.

He loved basketball, period.

 

[K7SN]

Steph Curry is the best 3 point shooter in the last five years by far and if he plays another ten at or near the same level he may well the title of Best Three-Point Shooter but as of now there are still better "shooters" in the history of the NBA but no one can ever hold the title of Best Shooter in NBA history because the game has changed so much over time.

While I really appreciate Curry I consider Klay Thompson a huge part of his success; if fact having a several good players takes the pressure off any one player. Here are a few in different times for you to consider; I have watched them play in their prime aas I am older than the NBA.

Paul Arizin and Neil Johnston; Arizin who used a jump shot when others still, used the two-handed throw and Johnston who scored filling the weak-link when defenders had to counter the jump shoot.

So George Mikan and Vern Mikkelsen made the Lakers; Mikan the first big man and a contender for best shooter for the ere of the two handed shot and flat looted defenders changed the game so much that numerous rules were modified because of his shooting style. He had Mikkelsen who was so good at getting fouled that the defenders that in the changing game of the early 50s players started to foul out and had to play more cautious.

Bill Sharman is the next shooter from the era of the post Mikan NBA rules with the great Bob Cousy feeding him via assists, another player of that era was Bob Pettit

Bill Russell and Sam Jones also made each other great; others great from later years leading to the three-punt rule which changed the game for ever. Anyone remember Dolph Schayes or consider Steve Nash who may be the best shooter except he doesn't shoot much

I did consider Jerry West who always seemed to do his best shooting when the game was on the line; his shooting skills peaked when needed. Does hitting close to 50% of your three point shots matter if you have 50% change of turning the ball over if you miss; hitting in the clutch is more important than four quarters statistics; overtime statistics trump 1st, 2nd and third quarter statistics.

Any shooter, like Pete Maravich, Rick Barry, K.C. Jones... ; needs a one or more good rebounder near the basket and when your rebounder can score like Bill Russell, Oscar Robertson and Wilt Chamberlain you win,

Golden State wins because of the Splash Brothers, Draymond Green, Andrew Bogut , Harrison Barnes, David Lee average over 30 rebounds a game. Being a great shooter means your team has sixth man, and four other problems to defend against on the court. The splash brothers are phenomenal and until the game changes again, Curry is the best shooter in today's game.

I agree with Retro Bob, the game changes and will continue change and Steph Curry will never be the best shooter in NBA history because of the short history of the NBA, founded 1946 and change name to NBA in in 1949 and integrated in 1951 has so changed in the 66 years; Sorry I slightly remember when the NBL and the BAA merged because an early star game from Clark Country, Nevada where I grew up and my parents talked about; by the early 1950s I game to enjoy watching on television in the early years.

How do you compare Joe Fulks who scored on average over 23 points a game when there was no 24-second clock and players could pass, wait, pass and had unlimited time to shoot. When Paul Arizin took a jump shot, he would have been pulled from the game by most coaches of that era. Bob Cousy who was benched for showboating, because he scored by dribbling behind his back and spinning past past a bigger man; Michael Jordan couldn't of played in 1951 even though the NBA was integrated because he was too flashy. Conversely;George Mikan could play in today's game.

Joe Fulks, Bill Sharman, Bob Pettit were all at one time the best shooter in the NBA but no more can you compare them to Curry than you could compare Josh Gibson to Johnny Bench. Y.A. Title to Aaron Rodgers or Harry Truman to Abe Lincoln; a different time, a different game.

 

[BudAshes]

Steph Curry is the best 3 point shooter in the last five years by far and if he plays another ten at or near the same level he may well the title of Best Three-Point Shooter but as of now there are still better "shooters" in the history of the NBA but no one can ever hold the title of Best Shooter in NBA history because the game has changed so much over time.

While I really appreciate Curry I consider Klay Thompson a huge part of his success; if fact having a several good players takes the pressure off any one player. Here are a few in different times for you to consider; I have watched them play in their prime aas I am older than the NBA.

Paul Arizin and Neil Johnston; Arizin who used a jump shot when others still, used the two-handed throw and Johnston who scored filling the weak-link when defenders had to counter the jump shoot.

So George Mikan and Vern Mikkelsen made the Lakers; Mikan the first big man and a contender for best shooter for the ere of the two handed shot and flat looted defenders changed the game so much that numerous rules were modified because of his shooting style. He had Mikkelsen who was so good at getting fouled that the defenders that in the changing game of the early 50s players started to foul out and had to play more cautious.

Bill Sharman is the next shooter from the era of the post Mikan NBA rules with the great Bob Cousy feeding him via assists, another player of that era was Bob Pettit

Bill Russell and Sam Jones also made each other great; others great from later years leading to the three-punt rule which changed the game for ever. Anyone remember Dolph Schayes or consider Steve Nash who may be the best shooter except he doesn't shoot much

I did consider Jerry West who always seemed to do his best shooting when the game was on the line; his shooting skills peaked when needed. Does hitting close to 50% of your three point shots matter if you have 50% change of turning the ball over if you miss; hitting in the clutch is more important than four quarters statistics; overtime statistics trump 1st, 2nd and third quarter statistics.

Any shooter, like Pete Maravich, Rick Barry, K.C. Jones... ; needs a one or more good rebounder near the basket and when your rebounder can score like Bill Russell, Oscar Robertson and Wilt Chamberlain you win,

Golden State wins because of the Splash Brothers, Draymond Green, Andrew Bogut , Harrison Barnes, David Lee average over 30 rebounds a game. Being a great shooter means your team has sixth man, and four other problems to defend against on the court. The splash brothers are phenomenal and until the game changes again, Curry is the best shooter in today's game.

I agree with Retro Bob, the game changes and will continue change and Steph Curry will never be the best shooter in NBA history because of the short history of the NBA, founded 1946 and change name to NBA in in 1949 and integrated in 1951 has so changed in the 66 years; Sorry I slightly remember when the NBL and the BAA merged because an early star game from Clark Country, Nevada where I grew up and my parents talked about; by the early 1950s I game to enjoy watching on television in the early years.

How do you compare Joe Fulks who scored on average over 23 points a game when there was no 24-second clock and players could pass, wait, pass and had unlimited time to shoot. When Paul Arizin took a jump shot, he would have been pulled from the game by most coaches of that era. Bob Cousy who was benched for showboating, because he scored by dribbling behind his back and spinning past past a bigger man; Michael Jordan couldn't of played in 1951 even though the NBA was integrated because he was too flashy. Conversely;George Mikan could play in today's game.

Joe Fulks, Bill Sharman, Bob Pettit were all at one time the best shooter in the NBA but no more can you compare them to Curry than you could compare Josh Gibson to Johnny Bench. Y.A. Title to Aaron Rodgers or Harry Truman to Abe Lincoln; a different time, a different game.

Hey grampa, I think some kids are on your lawn.

 

[alcoholbob]

Part of the reason that Curry is putting up absurd numbers is the pace of the league is going up and is approaching that of the late 80s. The average pace this year is much higher than it was the year before. A lot of stats are going up across the board in the league. This gets him a lot more shot opportunities, and more transition opportunities.

The game will slow down in the playoffs and if/when they face Cleveland again and the games are being played in the 80s-points pace again he won't see the same transition looks as he did in the regular season.

 

[smackababy]

He was "normal" at the beginning of his career. Not sure when he went off the tracks. Definitely was off the tracks when in Chicago.

Oh, on that note. Phil Jackson (Bulls coach) did say in a documentary that Dennis Rodman is the greatest athlete he has ever seen. Jackson was saying this in terms of his endurance I think. He was known to rid an exercise bike for 1-2 hours after each game.

I think it all started around the time Detroit started having problems and guys started leave / fighting. Rodman never had a family and looked at Chuck Daly as a father. Once that broke down, he kind of went off the rails. Still was an amazing player, but had problems.

 

[zinfamous]

this thread reminded me of thunder dan and i searched for some highlights of him on youtube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3Yv7sve5Cw

man i love old school basketball.

Majerle and Barkely in NBA Jam.

Almost as awesome as Kemp and Schrempf!

 

[zinfamous]

LOL Warriors struggled with the Cavs who were missing 2 of their 3 best players. Unless Love & Irving get injured again by the finals. I don't see Warriors beating them, let alone sweeping them. People are going ape shit over Steph, but they forget last finals were still very competitive with 1 team crippled to shit. They won the ring, but there should be a big ass asterisk next to it.

And even with all the hype, and Curry being really amazing, it's still Lebron > by a huge margin in the end.

that is fucking stupid as all shit.

 

[mikegg]

Yes, he's the best shooter in all of basketball history. And that's not a joke or exaggeration.

He's simply that good.

 

[11thHour]

Cavs were better without Love, not so much without Irving.

 

[SP33Demon]

Anyone want to revise their posts in this thread? Quebert, do you think they still deserve an asterisk for last year? lmao, did you even see what they did to Lebron's team last month (won by 31 pts). 45-4, best record in history at this point in the season.

Steph is keeping pace with his percentages as well, it's amazing. Just look at the highlights from his last game - 11/16 from 3pt land? Are you kidding me? And he's leading the league in scoring for the naysayers in this thread.
http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400828626

 

[Ackmed]

Steph is absolutely amazing. But trying to compare him to players from different era's is silly. Rules have changed, the three point line has changed, etc. It's just a different time. That is not taking away from what he is doing, which is nothing short of amazing.

His pre game warm up is fantastic and a huge draw too. Little old, but I think this kid did it even better; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJ9LAZRikWc

I can't even fathom how someone can do that.

 

[smackababy]

Anyone want to revise their posts in this thread? Quebert, do you think they still deserve an asterisk for last year? lmao, did you even see what they did to Lebron's team last month (won by 31 pts). 45-4, best record in history at this point in the season.

Steph is keeping pace with his percentages as well, it's amazing. Just look at the highlights from his last game - 11/16 from 3pt land? Are you kidding me? And he's leading the league in scoring for the naysayers in this thread.
http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400828626

I watched this game. He had a great first half and it looked like half time iced him. He had zero points he first like 6 minutes of the third quarter. And then out of nowhere gets some semi contested looks and drains more 3s. The guy also follows his shots for rebounds and looks to pass first. Funny that Greene had a triple double and wasn't the best player on the court.

Curry is the real deal in the soft rules NBA. Until guys can foul hard again (Jordan Rules style) he will continue to drain shots at a rate better than anyone.

 

[zinfamous]

Steph is absolutely amazing. But trying to compare him to players from different era's is silly. Rules have changed, the three point line has changed, etc. It's just a different time. That is not taking away from what he is doing, which is nothing short of amazing.

His pre game warm up is fantastic and a huge draw too. Little old, but I think this kid did it even better; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJ9LAZRikWc

I can't even fathom how someone can do that.

damn, that kid should be ~18 by now? Did he fall off or something?

 

[SP33Demon]

Steph is absolutely amazing. But trying to compare him to players from different era's is silly. Rules have changed, the three point line has changed, etc. It's just a different time. That is not taking away from what he is doing, which is nothing short of amazing.

His pre game warm up is fantastic and a huge draw too. Little old, but I think this kid did it even better; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJ9LAZRikWc

I can't even fathom how someone can do that.

You realize that MJ played for 3 years with a shorter 3pt line before they moved it back? that amounts to 225+ made 3's.

I'll give you the harder fouls, but I doubt that would really affect Steph's game since he mainly shoots 3's and has such a fast release. In the lane, yeah he wouldn't be at 51/52% in FG shooting because he'd be injured after taking too many hard hits.

 

[Ackmed]

You realize that MJ played for 3 years with a shorter 3pt line before they moved it back? that amounts to 225+ made 3's.

I'll give you the harder fouls, but I doubt that would really affect Steph's game since he mainly shoots 3's and has such a fast release. In the lane, yeah he wouldn't be at 51/52% in FG shooting because he'd be injured after taking too many hard hits.

Yeah, I know. I grew up in that era. Not even talking just about him. And I know that the line on the side didn't even move for 3's. He is an amazing shooter, probably best of this generation. But comparing players against another time just doesn't work. It's fun and enjoyable to talk about it, wishing they could have played against each other.

I just remember the old Piston/Knick/Bulls/Pacers teams when I grew up. They beat the shit out of each other. The interview with Jordan talking about how he hurt after the Pistons. How he bulked up after getting beat by them the year before. Go back even further and I'm sure older people can reference different teams from yet again a different era.

I agree they have different games, MJ and Curry. Not even the same type of player, so again hard to compare. MJ was an excellent defender, on 1st team defense. MJ in dunk contest, Curry will never do that. Hell, no star does that anymore. Curry has a fucking fast shot, hard to defend. He is on another level right now. Just really hard and in my opinion impossible to compare players from different era's. Mostly because of the rules. Even more so in the NFL I think. Technology also helps players now, players are bigger, stronger, faster, etc now. We know more about nutrition, exercise, and such to help players. Studying the other team before playing is easier, HD camera's, tablets on the sidelines, etc. It's just different now, and will be even more so years from now.

 

[slayer202]

all those stats and all you needed was "yes"