“When I was nine years old, I remember looking around like, ‘Oh, I’m not as tall as him, I’m not as strong as him.’ That was when I first understood I’m different.” Stephen Curry may not have meant this in the most positive way when he released this in his 2023 documentary, Underrated. But two years before he realized he was “different,” Eddie Johnson already knew it. He witnessed it. And it was in the most positive way possible.

In a segment of his Outside Shots podcast, Eddie Johnson highlighted the moment he met seven-year-old Stephen Curry. That was back when the former Charlotte Hornets small forward was visiting his then-teammate (and Steph’s father), Dell Curry. After the latter confidently said, “Eddie, I bet Steph could beat you,” Johnson and the future NBA star took the challenge to the driveway. To Johnson’s apparent surprise, he ended up getting humbled from all sides. At least to begin with.

“This dude’s shooting shots from the street. I’m like, ‘Hold up.’” Johnson was flabbergasted, watching as Stephen Curry sunk shot after shot. What made it even more impressive was the fact that “he’s used to the rims! You know how outside rims are all kind of bent [and with the] wind blowing. And they’re going in!” That was when Johnson knew he had to plot a comeback.

“I’m looking up. We’re playing a game of 10, and this dude [is] up 7-nothing. I said, ‘Hold up now, now. I’m in the NBA. I’m one of the top shooters in the game, okay?’” With pride on the line, considering he was playing against a seven-year-old and just watching in awe, Johnson revealed, “I went old-man style on him. I started backing it down and laying it up. He got mad, but I’m not letting him get another shot. I won the game, and he was hot.”

Eddie Johnson may have won the driveway game, and he believed he was one of the best shooters in the NBA in 1993-94. But he also knew that once his seven-year-old opponent made it to the big leagues, there would be no stopping him. As one of the players Michael Jordan “took it personally” with after he trash-talked His Airness during a playoff game, Johnson knew what he was witnessing. And it was greatness in the making. That’s precisely what Stephen Curry has done in the 15 years he has been in the NBA.

Curry’s efficiency has allowed him to hold the highest career free-throw percentage at 91% and led the league in terms of 3-pointers made on 8 different occasions. Even at 36, he’s not looking to back down. In the 2023-24 NBA season, the Golden State Warriors star averaged 26.4 points by going 8.8-0f-19.5 with his field goals, 4.8-of-11.8 with his three-pointers, and 4-of-4.4 with his free throws. That’s the same form he took to Paris this past month (if not better), making it a memorable Olympic debut for himself.

He dropped 9-of-14 and 8-of-12 three-pointers against Serbia (semifinal) and France (final), respectively, combining for 60 points in those games to lead his team to the gold medal. This level of shooting has convinced an NBA legend that the time has come to place him on the same level as Michael Jordan.

Shaquille O’Neal believes that Stephen Curry can join the GOAT debate

For quite some time now, Michael Jordan and LeBron James have been the two top candidates in the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) debate. After all, both 23s established themselves as the face of the league in their respective eras due to their unique physicality. However, former Lakers star Shaquille O’Neal, who has had the chance to play against both players, feels that Stephen Curry may join in as another top contender.

“I’m wondering… I’m not saying. I’m just wondering because he’s been consistently the best shooter his whole career. Is it time to start putting him as the best player of all time?” said Shaq during an Inside the NBA segment from back in December 2023. When the Big Aristotle’s co-host, Kenny Smith, asked if the former player would be willing to put Curry over himself, he replied, “Yes.”

“I played 20 years, watched 20 years before that, and I’ve never seen a guy like him,” Shaq said. “And he’s doing it consistently. And he has championships.” The remarks came right after the Golden State Warriors dropped over 33 points over the eventual 2023-24 NBA champions, Boston Celtics. Shaq clarified that he would not put Curry above Michael Jordan but would still like to keep him in the conversation.

From the age of 7 till now, Stephen Curry continues to earn the respect of NBA legends everywhere.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.