5 Stats That Prove Why Stephen Curry Is the Best Player Since Michael Jordans…
The debate over who is the greatest basketball player of all time (GOAT) has evolved over decades. Michael Jordan’s dominance in the 1990s was unparalleled, setting a standard for greatness. Yet, as the game has evolved, so too have the players who shape it. One player who has undeniably reshaped the landscape of modern basketball is Stephen Curry. His revolutionary style of play, particularly his unparalleled shooting ability, has changed how the game is played and has earned him a spot in the conversation about the greatest players ever, including comparisons to Jordan. While Jordan’s legacy is secure, Curry’s statistics and achievements since entering the NBA in 2009 argue that he is the best player to follow in MJ’s footsteps.
Let’s explore five key stats that illustrate why Stephen Curry is the best player since Michael Jordan.
1. Unprecedented Three-Point Shooting Records
Stephen Curry’s three-point shooting is not just a part of his game; it is the defining element of his legacy. Before Curry, the three-point line was seen as a tool for stretching defenses, but it wasn’t a central part of any team’s offensive philosophy. That all changed with Curry.
Stat: Most Career Three-Pointers Made in NBA History
Curry became the NBA’s all-time leader in three-pointers made in December 2021, surpassing Ray Allen’s previous record of 2,973. By the time of this writing, Curry has over 3,000 career three-pointers and shows no sign of slowing down. His shooting ability from beyond the arc has revolutionized how the game is played, with teams now emphasizing three-point shooting as a primary weapon.
But it’s not just the volume of three-pointers Curry has made; it’s the efficiency. Over his career, Curry has averaged over 43% from three, an elite mark for someone who shoots so frequently from such long distances. For context, the second-leading player on the all-time three-point list, Ray Allen, finished his career with a shooting percentage of 40%. Curry’s unprecedented range often hitting shots from 30 feet or more has forced defenses to adapt and changed how players approach offense and spacing.
What makes this stat so significant in the GOAT conversation is the way Curry’s shooting has transcended the traditional boundaries of the game. Unlike Jordan, whose scoring was predicated on mid-range jumpers and post moves, Curry’s impact is felt globally, creating a domino effect where every team in the league has followed suit and emphasized perimeter shooting.
2. Two MVPs and Unanimous MVP Selection
In the NBA, winning an MVP is a mark of excellence, and winning multiple MVP awards cements a player’s place among the greats. Michael Jordan won five MVPs in his career, with the most notable being his 1988 season when he earned his first MVP alongside a Defensive Player of the Year award. However, what sets Curry apart from nearly all other players in NBA history is his unanimous MVP selection in 2016 the first in league history.
Stat: Unanimous MVP Selection in 2016
In 2016, Curry had a season for the ages. He averaged 30.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game while leading the Golden State Warriors to a record-breaking 73-9 regular-season record. His shooting efficiency that season was off the charts he shot 50.4% from the field, 45.4% from three, and 91.6% from the free-throw line. Curry’s 2016 season was so dominant that for the first time in NBA history, every voter selected him as their first-place pick, making him the first unanimous MVP.
While Jordan never received a unanimous MVP, his dominance during his MVP seasons was also undeniable, as he was frequently the best player in the league. Curry’s back-to-back MVP awards (2015 and 2016) and his unanimous selection further solidify his place in the pantheon of basketball legends and make him the most decorated player since Jordan in terms of individual accolades.
3. Impact on Championship Wins and Playoff Performance
Winning championships is one of the key metrics used to compare players’ legacies. Michael Jordan won six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls, with an astounding 6-0 Finals record, and was named Finals MVP in each of those appearances. Stephen Curry, however, has led the Golden State Warriors to four NBA championships (2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022) in just a decade, and his impact on those victories is undeniable.
Stat: 4 NBA Championships and Finals MVP in 2022
Curry was the catalyst behind the Warriors’ success, particularly during their dominant runs in the late 2010s. While Golden State’s championships came with a team-oriented system that included stars like Kevin Durant, Curry’s ability to elevate his game on the biggest stage is key to his place in history.
In the 2022 NBA Finals, Curry cemented his legacy as one of the best postseason performers ever by winning his first Finals MVP, putting to rest any doubts about his ability to perform in the clutch. He averaged 31.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists while shooting 48% from the field and 43% from three. This performance helped solidify the Warriors’ fourth championship and proved that Curry can carry his team to the top when it matters most.
4. Revolutionizing Team Play and Creating a Dynasty
While Jordan was undoubtedly a prolific scorer, part of what sets Curry apart is his ability to completely revolutionize team play. The Warriors’ success under Curry is as much about their collective style as it is about his individual brilliance. Curry, along with head coach Steve Kerr, transformed the NBA’s approach to offense by placing a premium on shooting, spacing, and ball movement.
Stat: Warriors’ Dynastic Run and Best Regular-Season Record (73-9)
The Warriors’ 73-9 record in 2016, which broke the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls’ 72-10 record, is one of the most impressive team achievements in NBA history. This run was driven by Curry’s offensive brilliance, but also by the team’s commitment to a style of play centered around passing, spacing, and three-point shooting fundamentally altering the way teams approach offense.
While Jordan’s Bulls were built around elite defense and a more traditional offensive approach, Curry’s Warriors set a new standard for how offense is played in the modern NBA. They showed that with the right personnel, a focus on shooting and team-oriented play could dominate the league. In that sense, Curry’s Warriors are arguably the most impactful team since Jordan’s Bulls.
5. Longevity and Consistency
Michael Jordan retired twice during his career but still managed to dominate the NBA for over a decade. Curry, too, has shown remarkable longevity, maintaining his level of excellence well into his 30s. Even as Curry ages, he continues to play at an elite level, winning his fourth title and Finals MVP in 2022 at age 34.
Stat: Sustained Excellence Into His 30s
What sets Curry apart in this regard is his ability to adapt his game. Unlike Jordan, who relied on physicality and leaping ability in his prime, Curry has continued to rely on his shooting, basketball IQ, and skill development, allowing him to maintain a high level of performance without the same physical attributes that defined Jordan’s career. In 2024, Curry remains one of the best players in the NBA, continuing to break records and lead his team deep into the playoffs.
Conclusion: The Best Player Since Michael Jordan
While Michael Jordan’s legacy will forever be untouchable, Stephen Curry’s accomplishments make a strong case that he is the best player to follow in Jordan’s footsteps. His revolutionary three-point shooting, MVP awards, championship pedigree, impact on the game, and remarkable longevity have all combined to create a career that deserves to be placed alongside the greats. Curry’s influence on the game, both as an individual player and as part of a dynasty, solidifies his status as the most impactful player since Jordan. As the NBA continues to evolve, Stephen Curry stands as its modern icon shaping the future while paying homage to the past.
