Stephen Curry is considered the most underrated superstar in NBA history

When it comes to the NBA, few names resonate as profoundly as Stephen Curry. The Golden State Warriors guard has revolutionized the game, redefining what it means to be an elite player. With four championships, two MVP awards (including the only unanimous MVP in NBA history), and a plethora of three-point records, Curry’s resume speaks for itself. Yet, despite his unparalleled impact, Curry is often excluded from conversations about the greatest players in NBA history.

This begs the question: Is Stephen Curry the most underrated superstar the league has ever seen?

Curry’s Revolution: Changing the NBA Forever

To understand Curry’s legacy, one must first recognize his transformative impact on basketball. Before Curry, the NBA was dominated by big men and mid-range shooters. The three-pointer was viewed as a complementary aspect of the game, not a cornerstone of offensive strategy. But Curry changed all of that.

Curry’s unique combination of deep-range shooting, ball-handling wizardry, and off-ball movement forced teams to rethink defensive schemes. His ability to pull up from 30+ feet with accuracy bent defenses in unprecedented ways, creating open shots for teammates and redefining spacing. The modern NBA—dominated by three-point shooting and pace-and-space offenses—is a direct result of Curry’s influence.

Despite his transformative contributions, Curry’s impact is often overshadowed by flashier players with more traditional skill sets, like LeBron James, Michael Jordan, or Kobe Bryant. While those players are undoubtedly legends, Curry’s revolution arguably reshaped the game in ways no other player has.

Why Is Curry Underrated?

So why isn’t Curry universally regarded as one of the all-time greats? Several factors contribute to the narrative of Curry as underrated:

1. Lack of Traditional Dominance

Unlike stars who rely on athleticism or physical dominance, Curry’s game is built on skill, finesse, and precision. He doesn’t have the towering presence of Shaquille O’Neal, the brute force of Giannis Antetokounmpo, or the all-around versatility of LeBron James. For some, this lack of physicality diminishes his perceived greatness.

However, this perspective overlooks the fact that Curry has proven to be just as impactful as those players in his own way. His movement, court vision, and ability to stretch defenses to their breaking point create mismatches as effectively as brute force.

2. Playing in a System

Critics often argue that Curry benefited from playing within a well-constructed system under head coach Steve Kerr and alongside stars like Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. While it’s true that the Warriors’ system maximized Curry’s abilities, the system itself was built around Curry’s unique skill set. Without him, the “Splash Brothers” era wouldn’t exist, and the Warriors wouldn’t have achieved dynasty status.

Additionally, Curry has proven he can excel outside of the perfect system. His performances in the 2022 NBA Finals, where he carried the Warriors to victory against the Boston Celtics, demonstrated his ability to dominate even when defenses keyed in on him.

3. The Overemphasis on Size and Defense

In NBA legend, size often correlates with greatness. Players like Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar all stood out because of their imposing physical attributes. Curry, standing at 6’2″ and weighing 185 pounds, lacks the physical dominance that fans and analysts traditionally associate with legends.

Moreover, Curry’s defense has often been criticized. While he’s improved significantly over the years, he’s not a lockdown defender like Kawhi Leonard or Scottie Pippen. This perceived weakness often leads to his greatness being overlooked in discussions about all-time greats.

The Resume: Why Curry Deserves More Recognition

Despite the critiques, Curry’s resume is unimpeachable.

• 4x NBA Champion (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022): Curry has been the centerpiece of a dynasty that defined an era. His ability to lead the Warriors back to the championship in 2022, after injuries and roster changes, solidifies his legacy as a winner.
• 2x MVP (2015, 2016): Curry is the only player in NBA history to win a unanimous MVP. His 2016 season is arguably one of the greatest individual performances in league history.
• All-Time 3-Point Leader: Curry has shattered every three-point record imaginable, cementing himself as the greatest shooter in NBA history.
• NBA Finals MVP (2022): His Finals MVP award silenced critics who questioned his ability to perform on the biggest stage.

Curry has consistently delivered in both the regular season and playoffs, proving he’s not just a system player but a transcendent talent.

The Case for Curry as the Most Underrated Superstar

When we look at Curry’s impact on the court, his accolades, and his revolutionary influence on the game, it’s clear that he belongs in the same conversation as Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Yet he often finds himself ranked lower on lists of all-time greats.

One reason for this might be Curry’s humility. Unlike many superstars, Curry isn’t one to dominate headlines with bold proclamations or off-court drama. His unassuming demeanor may lead some to underestimate just how great he truly is.

Another factor is timing. Curry’s prime overlapped with LeBron James, who dominated the narrative for much of the last decade. As a result, Curry’s contributions may not have received the recognition they deserve in real time.

Conclusion: Curry’s Legacy Is Undeniable

While debates about the NBA’s all-time greats will always be subjective, Stephen Curry’s place among the elite is undeniable. He has redefined the game of basketball, accumulated an impressive list of accolades, and proven himself to be a leader on and off the court.

If anything, Curry’s career serves as a reminder that greatness isn’t always loud or flashy. Sometimes, it’s about consistently pushing boundaries, elevating teammates, and leaving a legacy that changes the game forever.

So, is Stephen Curry the most underrated superstar in NBA history? He just might be. But one thing is certain: his impact will be felt for generations to come.