On April 28, 2025, during Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs first round between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets at Chase Center, Stephen Curry was seen tying his shoes, a moment captured by Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images. While Curry’s on-court presence remains electrifying, his impact off the court has sparked fervent discussions, most recently fueled by Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson on ESPN’s Get Up.
Johnson didn’t hold back in his praise for the Warriors’ star, declaring, “He’s one of the greatest of all time.” He credited Curry with revolutionizing basketball, stating, “He changed the game forever… Nobody we’ve seen ever with the ability of Steph Curry to shoot that basketball. The greatest shooter we’ve ever seen in history.” Johnson highlighted Curry’s unique ability to draw new audiences to the NBA, noting, “He also brought in fans that we didn’t have in the NBA before. He brought in kids.”
Elevating Curry to an even rarer status, Johnson called him “an icon,” adding, “It’s only a few icons. He’s beloved. There’s only a few athletes that’s ever been beloved.” In a bold move, Johnson placed Curry on his personal dream team, asserting, “He’s definitely on my dream team as the greatest that’s ever played this game. Him and LeBron’s legacy will live on forever.”
When Curry was drafted in 2009, few could have predicted he’d evolve from the league’s best shooter to the greatest shooter in NBA history and, ultimately, one of the game’s all-time greats. His peers, fans, and now legends like Johnson have lauded his transformative influence. However, Johnson’s claim has ignited debate across the NBA, with fans and analysts weighing in on Curry’s place among the sport’s elite.
If Curry can secure another NBA championship, his case for a near-unanimous spot in fans’ top-10 lists would be undeniable. Yet, the path to another title is daunting, given the fierce competition in the Western Conference. As the debate rages on, Curry’s legacy—already iconic—continues to grow, leaving an indelible mark on basketball history.