“Best point guard ever” Boasting an impressive resume, Stephen Curry had no hesitation in crowning himself with this title last year. Yes, he is surely one of the greatest players of this generation. But could he have survived in the 90s? Well, with Kevin Garnett’s controversial response to Anthony Edwards’ ‘no skill’ claim, this question has come to the limelight. However, veteran analyst Stephen A. Smith believes Steph’s one elite skill would have helped him overshadow a major weakness in the more physical era of the older generation.

“If I’m being honest, bro, I don’t think anybody in this generation could have played like 20 years ago.” Denying KG’s bold claim on The Stephen A. Smith Show, the analyst said, “That’s not true.” Then, Stephen A. clarified what Garnett meant to convey as he claimed the players of today’s era, whose games rely heavily on the new rules, would have had a tough time being as great in the more physical 90s era. “Perfect example would be Steph Curry.” He remarked.

Bringing up Curry’s history of ankle issues, he added, “Steph Curry came into the league with soft ankles. You might not have survived. They would have sat up there and they would have untied your shoelaces, they’d have stepped on your foot, they’d have twisted your damn ankle. They would have messed with you all day, every day.” Yes, when Steph entered the league as a frail kid from Davidson, he was plagued by constant ankle injuries. As a result, many even questioned if he would survive for long, as he had already undergone two ankle surgeries in the first few years. Sure enough, this weakness would have been exploited by his opponents in the past.

Despite pointing out his weakness, Stephen A. Smith had faith in the Baby-Faced Assassin’s abilities, “Because I believe that he’s the best shooter God ever created, I think he would have adjusted… Steph Curry could have played in the old era because you just don’t teach shooting ability like that.” Yes, the one trait that sets him apart today would have done the same for him in the 90s. His SHOOTING!

Could Stephen Curry’s shooting have revolutionized 90s basketball?

Well, Steph is no stranger to being underrated. Even when he entered the league, no one could have imagined what he would go on to achieve in his career. However, his shooting touch was undeniable, and the league was forced to adjust to how he played the game because that became the only way to win championships. If Steph was dropped in the Jordan era, keeping his initial ankle issues aside, he might have had a similar impact on the game during that time.

Yes, in the era that is deemed more physical, sharpshooters like Reggie Miller were able to achieve great things and dominate with their skill. And Steph is nothing but an advanced version of those same shooters. Leading the league in total threes in eight different seasons, that too with a career average of 42.6%, his shooting skill would have translated well in any era. Maybe the league would even have realized much earlier because of Steph that the game’s future lies in three-point shooting. How do you think Steph would have fared in the 90s?

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger