It was 16 months ago that Stephen Curry posed an interesting question to himself. When asked to name his all-time NBA starting five, the four-time champion wondered, “Am I on the team?”. Back then, the Splash Bro decided against it. But the Baby Face Assassin continues to shower in accolades. However, as hard as it is to believe, the list has grown, and with it, he decided to alter his Starting 5.

In an interview for Buzz Feed, he had then picked Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Tim Duncan, and Magic Johnson as his dream unit. It’s a hell of a list. From that point on, Stephen Curry won a Clutch Player of The Year award and was a catalyst in his debut Olympics in Paris. Hence, the 36-year-old definitely felt one debate was settled. He considers himself the greatest point guard.

And, so, in conversation with YouTube giants – Dude Perfect, a channel for family-friendly sports-related trick shots and entertainment, the legendary Warrior provided an updated list. It sadly came with some exclusions from his previous one!

“Shaq at the center, Tim Duncan at the power forward, Bron at the three, MJ at the two, and me at the one,” said Curry. But is it fair enough? Let’s take a look.

Focusing on the point guard position, it’s fair to rate Magic Johnson ahead of Stephen Curry. Still, there might not be any debate about who this lineup thrives more with. Shooting is more crucial than ever in modern-era basketball. Steph brings that in spades. Just being on the court, he draws eyes from the defense. This makes it easier for everyone else to get open looks.

Magic Johnson also had a similar presence that made teammates better. But, Curry fits better with players like Jordan and LeBron, especially in today’s NBA. Jordan is Jordan. And LeBron is still a nightmare for coaches and continues to stretch the bounds of longevity and earning those triple-doubles. With that comes his numerous records, four titles, and his place as probably the most complete basketball player.

The two legends are much more effective with the ball in their hands and the sharpshooter running off screens around the perimeter. There’s a reason why LeBron James had all praise for Curry when asked about playing with Steph on Team USA. The Golden State superstar brings a presence that elevates an entire team.

At odds at one point, Stephen Curry and LeBron James both share a deep admiration for each other at this point in life. And that probably stems from their stint together in the Paris Olympics. The two have a close bond after battling against each other in four consecutive NBA Finals from 2015-18, this was their first Olympic Games together. Curry started slow (7.6 points per game) but exploded in the semifinals (32 points) and Gold Medal game (24 points on 8-12 shooting from three-point range). So what did LeBron say about that?

For LeBron “it was everything and more.” “I was super excited to be able to finally team up with him in a win-or-die type atmosphere,” LeBron had further added. LeBron kept letting the team’s most lethal shooter know to let the 3-pointers fly without a second thought. “We saw it in the semifinals versus Serbia and we saw it in the Finals against the host team France. Steph did what Steph did hitting those big-time shots and putting everybody to sleep. It was an unbelievable moment and I was happy to be alongside him,” he said.

Interestingly, when James was asked whether he could ever envision himself being teammates with Curry again, James didn’t dismiss it out of hand. “I have no idea,” James had said. However, that is something that has a very slim chance of getting materialized in the NBA. James said last season that he hopes to finish his career with the Lakers, while Curry has said he wants to spend his entire career with the team that drafted him in 2009.

Coming back to the updated starting 5, Shaq and Tim Duncan also seems to be excellent choices. The Spurs’ power forward is considered by many to be the greatest at his position. “The Big Fundamental” was an elite passer and the ultimate teammate, and had led the San Antonio franchise to five titles. His versatility on offense and defense would fit nicely on this team.

On the other hand, while Chris Russo might disagree with Steph, Shaquille O’Neal was one of the most dominant players in NBA history. “Diesel” was among the best players in the league at the beginning of the post-Michael Jordan era. While he doesn’t shoot threes, having his kind of force on the court would leave this team with zero weaknesses.

But, the exclusions of Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson aren’t a knock on their careers either. It’s simply a question of preference, and Stephen Curry has the feats to feature on such a celebrated list. But as is with every opinion, there had to be disagreements.

Stephen Curry’s exclusions speak volumes about the NBA’s rich talent pool

The biggest hoops league in the world, still growing- by the way, has experienced various transitions from one era to another. In its rich history, there are several greats. But Curry only had space for five, making it difficult to squeeze in every fan favorite.

However, considering the resumes of Kobe Bryant – a five-time champion, MVP, and workhorse and also Magic Johnson, the commander of the ‘Showtime’ Lakers and a three-time Finals MVP, some members of the community weren’t pleased.

“Not seeing Kobe on that list is a tough pill to swallow,” a fan of the Black Mamba wrote. Previously, Stephen Curry seemed to honor those who laid the foundations for the likes of him and King James to prevail. Now, with their individual careers also on the horizon of its end, he may have felt it was time to have their names mentioned in ‘the conversation finally’.

As the hosts, Dude Perfect themselves didn’t have any reservations. “Can’t argue with that,” the group wrote. Yet, for the Laker Nation, it’s understandable why they felt a pinch. One such disappointed fan opined, “Magic > Steph”. 

In terms of their resume, they both arguably stand atop the same mountain. While Johnson perfected the art of playmaking, no one has been able to shoot the ball like Curry and we don’t think anyone can really debate that line, regardless of the team they support.

Still, the outpour of love for the two Lakers giants was overwhelming. “No Kobe he tweaked out,” one fan expressed his dismay. Another avid follower of the duo advocated for both of them, believing Curry nailed his initial list. “Curry cooked magic runs the point and im taking Kobe at the 3,” they said.

Well, it is tough to pick such a list. In fact, Kobe’s picks from 2009 still hold. But to make that list, Bryant had to make sacrifices. Long ago, he had asserted, “Magic [Johnson] at the point. MJ [Michael Jordan] at the two. Larry Bird at the three. Bill Russell at the four. This is tough. Wilt at the five. I’m struggling because Kareem and Wilt are neck and neck.”

The big miss in this list was obviously Shaquille O’Neal! The legendary big man with whom Kobe won three straight titles in LA. So, while Black Mamba was humble enough to not include himself in any popular rendition of his Starting 5, this just goes to show that the NBA has a very-very rich history. And we haven’t even gotten to the likes of Oscar Robertson, and Walt Frazier, yet. So, what are your thoughts on Stephen Curry’s latest list? Let us know your views in the comments below.