Steph Curry revolutionized basketball, yet some all-time NBA starting five lists leave him off. Discover why excluding the game’s greatest shooter is a flawed take. Steph Curry: The Missing Piece in the NBA’s All-Time Starting Five In the history of the NBA, few players have changed the game the way Stephen Curry has. From revolutionizing three-point shooting to redefining offensive spacing, Curry’s impact is impossible to ignore. Yet despite his influence, some basketball purists and analysts still leave him off their all-time NBA starting five. This omission raises valid concerns not just about individual legacies, but how greatness is defined in the modern era. The Case Against Curry—and Why It Falls Short
Opponents of Curry’s inclusion typically cite his defense, size, or the star power of previous legends like Magic Johnson or Oscar Robertson. While those are valid considerations, they overlook Curry’s unique skill set and cultural impact. His ability to stretch defenses beyond 30 feet has reshaped the way teams strategize. Moreover, Curry’s accolades—two MVPs, four NBA championships, and a Finals MVP—place him firmly in elite territory. Omitting him isn’t a matter of legacy; it’s a misunderstanding of evolution in the game. Statistical Dominance That Can’t Be Ignored Curry is the NBA’s all-time leader in three-pointers made and has the highest true shooting percentage of any guard with a similar usage rate. These aren’t niche stats—they reflect sustainable dominance. In an era where efficiency, spacing, and perimeter shooting define championship teams, Curry stands alone. When building an all-time starting five to compete in today’s game, it’s hard to justify leaving out the greatest long-range threat in history. Legacy Versus Innovation: A New Way to Measure Greatness The debate between legacy and innovation has always influenced sports rankings. While players like Michael Jordan and LeBron James are universally accepted, Curry represents a new archetype. He didn’t overpower defenders with athleticism—he dismantled them with precision, timing, and range. His influence is so strong that entire youth basketball systems now emphasize the three-pointer. If influence is a metric, Curry arguably surpasses most guards in NBA history.
Who Gets Left Out? The Real Dilemma in All-Time Debates
The hardest part of creating an all-time starting five is deciding who gets snubbed. Including Curry might mean omitting Magic Johnson or Kobe Bryant—both legends in their own right. However, it’s essential to adapt rankings to the era and context. Basketball today is different, and an all-time team should reflect the game’s evolution. By that logic, Curry isn’t just deserving—he’s essential. Conclusion: Steph Curry Is a Must for Any All-Time Starting Five Leaving Steph Curry off the NBA’s all-time starting five is more than just a controversial take—it’s a misjudgment of what defines basketball greatness in the modern era. Curry has redefined offensive philosophies, shattered records, and inspired a generation of players. Any conversation about the greatest starting five in NBA history that excludes him isn’t just incomplete—it’s outdated.
Focus Keyword: Steph Curry NBA all-time starting five
Secondary Keywords: NBA legends, greatest shooters in NBA history, Stephen Curry legacy, basketball evolution
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