12/19/23

Jay C. Brandriet

This fall Stephen Curry was asked by Gilbert Arenas if he was “the greatest point guard of all time”?

Curry said,

“Yes. It’s me and Magic. Is that the conversation? I have to answer it that way, but to your point, Magic’s resume is ridiculous. The fact that we’re having this conversation is a place I never thought I’d be in. That’s a lofty resume to shoot for. Let’s see what happens.”

I liked his answer.

A little genuine arrogance is better than false humility.

He also edified the career of Johnson.

The internet then went wild having this debate.

WHY IT’S THE PERFECT MOMENT TO COMPARE THESE TWO GUYS

Earvin Johnson and Stephen Curry have each played 906 regular season games.

WHY I’M OBJECTIVE ON THIS

Yes, Magic Johnson is my favorite NBA player of all time.

Steph is one of my three favorites in the current day, and a top 10 fav ever.

As clear as I understand Johnson’s journey, I’ve seen a lot more of Curry in real time.

WHERE I THINK MAGIC RANKS ALL TIME?

Top 3 to 6 player ever.

Earvin is the “greatest point guard” my eyes have seen.

WHERE I THINK STEPH RANKS ALL TIME?

Two plus year ago, it was obvious to me Steph had passed Isiah and Stockton as all-time point guards “in rank.”

Today, as an overall player he’d likely get an inch over Oscar Robertson.

Curry is an NBA legend.

He’s a top 11 to 14 player of all time, and the second-best point guard to live.

STEPH CURRY BASICS

He’s a pioneer.

He changed the game.

Calling him “the best shooter ever” has become second nature.

His movement is a display of endurance and balance.

Curry gets little credit for his amazing passing skills.

MAGIC JOHNSON BASICS

Magic changed the game first.

A 6’9″ point starting the break with the board, who’s passing inspired generations.

His ability to control pace, fast and slow WAS showtime.

He had a knack for making the spectacular play in crisis.

His nickname was perfect.

THEY BOTH HAD PLENTY OF HELP

I’ve always known and appreciated that Magic’s level of quality teammates hit epic levels.

Anyone in the mood to argue Steph has lacked support?

HOW SOME BACK AND FORTH MIGHT SOUND

Curry is the three-point king to a disgusting degree.

You have to worry about him 40 feet away from the basket.

Magic has the highest assist average in the history of the regular season, the playoffs, and the Finals.

He also led the league in triple doubles ten times.

Steph is the best free throw shooter that’s come around.

True. Nobody compares to Steph as a pure shooter.

You’ve also been lied to about “how bad” Magic’s perimeter abilities were.

Over his last three seasons, he knocked down 90% of his foul shots.

He has a higher career Finals free throw percentage than Larry Bird.

Earvin was in the top 10 in three pointers made twice.

Steph had better handles. They might be top 3 we’ve witnessed.

Agree.

Magic handled the rock just fine.

He was a superior rebounder.

Curry has two scoring titles.

Magic has four assist titles.

Steph averages more points.

Magic dropped 20 a game shooting 52% from the field.

Curry once led the NBA in steals with 2.1 a night.

Magic led the league in steals in back-to-back seasons with a crazy 2.7 and 3.4 a game.

Steph is a terrific rim attacker and layup maker.

Magic was a post player. He abused guards.

Steph secured his clutch reputation in his 13th season.

His 43-point explosion in Game 4 vs. Boston is his signature performance.

Magic had his apex moment in Game 6, of the 1980 NBA Finals.

Kareem was injured.

Johnson played everywhere on the floor.

42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists.

He was 20 years old.

STEPH’S TRUTH TELLING IS WHY MAGIC SHOULD BE RANKED HIGHER

Remember the “ridiculous resume” of Johnson’s that Curry mentioned?

It’s still the difference.

If you look at percentages, Magic was more likely to win a game at a higher rate than any guy in the history of pro basketball.

RINGS?

Magic 5

Steph 4

FINALS MVP’S?

Magic 3

Steph 1

LEAGUE MVPS’s?

Magic 3

Steph 2

ALL-NBA FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS?

Magic 9

Steph 4

ALL-STAR SELECTIONS

Magic 12

Steph 9

On the apex accomplishments, it’s not close.

Curry’s advantage is that he has time.

He needs it.

“Steph vs. Magic” is not a debate.

Not yet.

Jay C. Brandriet