Stephen Curry, After Shaquille O’Neal’s Flowery Praise, Receives Michael Jordan Ego Boost From 2x Super Bowl Champion

Another day, another instance of someone from the NBA breaking the internet. This time around, the culprit in question is Shaquille O’Neal. But, it wasn’t some feat on the court that led to the internet descending on him. Instead, it was his unapologetic, albeit unwarranted, praise for Stephen Curry. While the big man was ready to bestow Steph with the highest honor in the sport, the rest of the basketball world wasn’t as kind. However, O’Neal wasn’t the only one ready to elevate the greatest shooter that God ever created.

Philadelphia legend, LeSean McCoy was the latest to climb aboard the Curry hype train. However, his reasoning was far simpler than some complex discussion about resumes and accolades. “I think it’s harder to guard Steph Curry than it is to guard MJ [Michael Jordan].” 

From there on, the 2x Super Bowl Champion would go on to explain his premise. “MJ, I mean, he MJ, he’s up there. Gimme the ball, I don’t wanna hear none of that. Imagine yourself as the defender…Guarding Mike, it’s going to be hard as hell anyway. Imma fade away on you.” But, in the case of the Golden State Warriors superstar, the conversation is entirely different.

“Steph, you gotta watch him before he get to half-court, where he at? You gonna be running around, you tired as hell.” After Shaq, McCoy is the second all-time great to step into the limelight with their Chef Curry take.

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But, their arguments hold one common problem. They belittle the standard already in place for these discussions. While being an all-time great, the GOAT category has a whole separate barometer in terms of accolades and resumes necessary to join the discussion.

With Steph’s name being included in that list, it does a disservice to the multitude of legends to come before him. However, the entire discussion became a thing after the Los Angeles Lakers legend put him in that group with the all-time greats.

Shaquille O’Neal elevates Stephen Curry

The only unanimous MVP in NBA history has had a remarkable decade-long run in the NBA. However, his resume still falls short of some of the NBA’s greatest players ever. But, Diesel wasn’t having any of that. Instead, after a miraculous game-winner in the regular season, the 4x NBA Champion was ready to put Curry into the company of the “best player ever” category.

Even though an overreaction, it led to a ton of debates from all sides. Some were even ready to call Shaq’s credibility into question. But, now that the notion is out there, where does the eventual answer land? The solution is of course about personal opinion and preferences. But, for the set standard, Curry does fall short of the GOAT standards.

Do you think the baby-faced assassin belongs in the GOAT conversation? Let us know in the comments below.

Read More: Should Stephen Curry Be in the GOAT Conversation as Shaquille O’Neal Suggests?