Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors has often been deemed the best point guard in the NBA, but is he truly a point guard?
Though Stephen Curry is currently sidelined with a hand injury, the Golden State Warriors superstar is still a topic of discussion.
This time, we aren’t arguing whether or not Curry is one of the best players in the league. His resume speaks for itself. A two-time MVP, six-time All-NBA member and three-time champion, no other guard in the league can compete with Steph.
Since his breakout season in 2013, Curry has been one of the best (if not the best) point guard in the league. However, his listing as a point guard is now being brought into question by one of the greatest to ever play the position.
Gary Payton recently stated on the “Runnin’ Plays Podcast” that Curry is not a true point guard. In fact, Payton believes the only true point guards in the league are Chris Paul and Rajon Rondo.
Payton makes an old argument that point guards should not be looking to score first. Rather, the point guard’s job is to set up his teammates and play defense.
This is certainly true of the era that Payton played in. The Glove was not only one of the best playmakers of his generation but arguably the best perimeter defender of all-time.
Even so, this doesn’t mean that Curry is any less of a point guard than Payton. Curry may be able to score 30 points on a nightly basis but he has also averaged 6.5 assists per game across the last six seasons.
Curry has revolutionized what it means to be a point guard. He has weaponized his position, becoming a dual-threat to score or pass the ball. It’s hard to argue against Payton’s definition of a true point guard, but Curry fits the mold just as well as anyone else.