Stephen Curry vs Magic Johnson: Who’s the GOAT PG?

Ah, the good ol’ GOAT (Greatest of All Time) debate. The type of debate that brings a rise out of many NBA fans. Discussions have revolved around Michael Jordan and LeBron James as the best basketball player of all time. However, the discussion is apparently not just limited to a single greatest player. It has extended to position-wise supremacy.

In that vein, Stephen Curry’s recent remarks on Gil’s Arena sprung up a controversy. He believes he is the best Point Guard ever. Michael Jordan disagrees.

Comparing Stephen Curry and Magic Johnson

Appearing at Gil’s Arena, Curry had to answer, “Are you the best Point Guard ever?” In reply, he said, “Yes, it’s me and Magic. That’s the conversation.”

This naturally brought a rise out of various NBA loyalists. Debates started to flood. Examining such a difficult comparison requires multiple acknowledgments. These discussions also are difficult to evaluate because of the different eras that supported different playing styles.

Anyway, Johnson is 6’9” compared to Curry who is 6’2”. This size advantage combined with great game sense made the Guard a perennial all-around threat. He was able to put up triple-double numbers. So, in terms of overall game, he has the edge.

Magic averaged 7.2 rebounds for his career, going over eight a game from his second to fourth season. Meanwhile, Curry averages less than five rebounds a game, never averaging more than 6.1 a game, which he did last season.

Another area where the Golden State Warriors Guard can’t even come close to Magic is being a pass-first guard. Johnson is one of the best passers ever to play the game and averaged an NBA record of 11.2 for his game, Curry averages 6.5 for his career thus far.

Curry is a much better shooter than Johnson and is an All-Time three-point leader. He has averaged around 24 points a game while the Los Angeles Lakers great averaged below 20, although, the number is less because of his HIV-afflicted last few seasons. 

In terms of championships, the retired Guard had five, whereas Curry has four, a number which can increase considering he is in his prime and has a solid core around him. The overall comparison will make more sense when the Warriors’ phenom retires.

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In this regard, what does one of the GOAT-contenders, Michael Jordan have to say about the whole situation?

Michael Jordan weighs in

ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith had previously expressed that Curry ranks over Johnson as someone who “inspired a generation.” On his show, Stephen A. Smith revealed that MJ sent him a counter via text message regarding the debate.

The text began, “Good morning, sir. Although the greatest of anything is always a debate, I beg to differ on greatest point guard of all-time and what you said.”

He continued, “Magic Johnson is easily the best point guard of all-time. Steph Curry is very close but not in front of Magic. You must define point guard to really have a serious debate. Steph Curry is by far the best shooter of all time. Yes, his movement has created many shots for his teammates, he’s a career 43 percent 3-point shooter, but Magic Johnson invented the triple-double.”

He concluded, “Not true invented, but makes it more noticeable in terms of the impact on the game. It’s a point guard stat to be honest. Magic is the best. We could go on, but I don’t wanna take up too much of your time. I know you get the point. By the way, Magic has five NBA championships.”

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What do you think about this debate? Do share in the comments below!