Golden State Warriors: New report shows Stephen Curry’s popularity in comparison to peers

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 13: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game against the Washington Wizards at Chase Center on February 13, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 13: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game against the Washington Wizards at Chase Center on February 13, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Once an undersized guard out of a small college, Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry has developed into one of the most distinguished faces of the NBA across a decorated 14-year career.

As the unanimous greatest shooter of all-time, Curry has become an inspiration for millions across the world with his mix of skill, perseverance and hardwork. His popularity has transcended more than just the game itself, and continues to grow as he enters his mid-thirties.

Where has Golden State Warriors’ superstar Stephen Curry ranked among his peers in social media popularity so far in 2023?

In a recent report by Betway Insider’s Guy Giles, it was revealed that Curry has been the fifth-most mentioned NBA player on social media since January 1. 79,538 posts have mentioned the two-time MVP, with LeBron James topping the list after his momentous passing of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record earlier this month.

Kyrie Irving sits second after he was dealt to the Dallas Mavericks following his controversial trade request from the Brooklyn Nets. Former teammate Kevin Durant is third after his blockbuster move to the Phoenix Suns, while Giannis Antetokounmpo rounds out the quartet prior to Curry.

Former Golden State Warriors’ teammates Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant remain two of the most popular players in the NBA. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Former Golden State Warriors’ teammates Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant remain two of the most popular players in the NBA. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

We have to put these numbers into context — Curry has been sidelined for two separate stints so far this year, meaning he’s been out of the limelight more than usual. As mentioned, two of the players above him were traded earlier this month and another broke an all-time record. So, although Curry still ranks fifth, this isn’t an accurate representation of ‘popularity’ as such.

That is better defined by the report’s focus on ‘positive social sentiment since January 1’. Here Curry ranks second behind James, while Durant and Irving drop to sixth and seventh respectively. There’s a bond that Curry has built with fans over the past decade, and numbers like this prove his sustained popularity.

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While it may be only a two-and-a-half-month sample size, the positive sentiment on James and Curry is a far greater reflection of their place in basketball history. They are the two dominant figures of this era, and the league simply won’t be the same once they’re gone.