In the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, conversations about ranking players for positions they hold have drifted and blurred the roles themselves. In a recent podcast, Gilbert Arenas ignited a debate on the foundation of ranking criteria with Stephen Curry.?
Curry also shared his thoughts on the debate, recognizing how the role of a point guard has changed over the years.?
Arenas’ Unique Perspective on Point Guards
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Arenas, known for his unfiltered opinions, expressed his belief that Curry does not belong in the top 5 point guards of all time. While reflecting on his own playing days, he revealed that he grew up in an era where the traditional point guard archetype differed from Curry’s style of play.
During the 80s, point guards were primarily facilitators, focusing on rotating the ball and setting up plays rather than being the primary scoring threat. This perspective shaped Arenas’s criteria for evaluating point guards. He says, “I used to believe in the old school. I remember I made a comment and said, ‘Curry is not a top 5 point guard, but he is a top 5 guard.'”
Curry has redefined the role of a point guard
The role of a traditional point guard has undergone a transformation. The modern point guard is not just an orchestrator of plays but often a high-scoring threat. Curry’s ability to sink long-range shots while also assisting other players has redefined the dimensions of basketball strategy.
Arenas justified his unconventional stance: “Growing up, it was like your type of guard is not a point. So, I was like cool, that?s fair. So now when people say alright, name your 5 point guards and I am like all right, it?s all scoring guards. You can keep the assists to yourself, right? So, I need someone who has all the ammo.”
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This assertion unraveled the crux of Arenas’ viewpoint. He wasn’t discarding Curry by not including him in the top 5. Rather; he was saying that Curry?s game has influenced how the point guard is perceived now. The conventional demarcation between point guards and shooting guards has blurred, and the assertion that Curry might not fit the classic definition is not a dismissal of his greatness, but rather a recognition of his transformative impact on the sport.
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Taking Arenas’ viewpoint into account, does ‘Chef Curry’ make it into your top 5 Point Guards of all time? Let us know in the comments below!