Could Stephen Curry Really Join the GOAT Ranks with Just One More Title and Finals MVP, as Kendrick Perkins Claims?

When Kendrick Perkins recently made headlines by claiming that Stephen Curry could firmly cement his spot among the NBA GOATs with just one more NBA championship and a Finals MVP, the basketball world took notice. It’s a bold statement, but not without merit. Curry, already a four-time champion and two-time MVP, has transformed how basketball is played. Yet for all his accolades, the GOAT conversation has traditionally been limited to names like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Magic Johnson.

But could one more crowning moment vault Curry into that rarified air? Let’s break it down.

Stephen Curry’s Unique Impact on the Game

Before we delve into the “GOAT” discussion, we need to recognize what makes Curry’s case different. He may not have the size of Shaquille O’Neal or the all-around stats of LeBron James, but Stephen Curry has fundamentally changed basketball.

He redefined shot selection. What was once considered a “bad shot” – the deep three-pointer – is now a staple in every offense, thanks to Curry’s range. He’s the reason even big men now work on three-point shooting. Curry didn’t just dominate within a system — he became the system.

Accolades Already Supporting His Legacy

Stephen Curry’s resume is already stacked:

• 4× NBA Champion (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022)

• 2× NBA MVP (2015, 2016 – the latter being unanimous)

• 1× NBA Finals MVP (2022)

• 9× All-Star (and counting)

• 2× Scoring Champion

• NBA’s all-time leader in three-pointers made

In 2022, Curry finally claimed that elusive Finals MVP, silencing critics who questioned his lack of that particular trophy. It solidified his role as the face and engine of Golden State’s dynasty.

Still, as Kendrick Perkins suggests, another Finals MVP and a fifth title could finally push him over the edge.

The Historical Benchmark: Why One More Matters

In the GOAT hierarchy, championships matter — but context is king. Consider these comparisons:

• Michael Jordan: 6 titles, 6 Finals MVPs, defensive stalwart

• LeBron James: 4 titles, 4 Finals MVPs, all-time leading scorer

• Magic Johnson: 5 titles, 3 Finals MVPs, redefined the point guard role

• Kobe Bryant: 5 titles, 2 Finals MVPs, cultural icon

Stephen Curry currently has 4 titles and 1 Finals MVP, but unlike others on this list, he revolutionized the game more than anyone else since Jordan.

Another title with a Finals MVP performance would not only tie him with Kobe and Magic in rings, but also place him ahead of Shaquille O’Neal and Tim Duncan in MVP narratives, considering how he changed the modern offense.

Why Finals MVPs Matter in GOAT Talks

It’s not just about collecting titles. It’s about dominance in the moments that matter most. That’s where Finals MVPs become crucial. For years, Curry’s critics argued that he wasn’t the alpha in Golden State’s championships — that Finals MVPs went to Andre Iguodala or Kevin Durant.

That changed in 2022. But to truly silence doubters and pass certain legends, a second Finals MVP would:

• Prove Curry can carry a team without another Finals MVP-level superstar beside him.

• End any lingering debates about who’s “the guy” in the Warriors dynasty.

• Strengthen his legacy in clutch playoff moments, where GOATs are often separated from stars.

Kendrick Perkins’ Take: Fact or Hyperbole?

Kendrick Perkins is known for controversial takes, but he has a point. He believes that Stephen Curry, with five titles and two Finals MVPs, would have:

• More rings than LeBron (assuming LeBron doesn’t win another)

• Equal titles to Kobe and Magic

• The most three-pointers ever by a wide margin

• A permanent place atop the “greatest shooter” hierarchy

• A dynasty that he initiated and led

In today’s era, with parity across the NBA and no “super team” currently dominating, another championship run led by Curry at age 36+ would make his feat even more impressive.

What Would Hold Curry Back From GOAT Status?

Despite all his achievements, Curry still faces hurdles:

• No Defensive Dominance: GOATs like Jordan, Kobe, and LeBron were also elite defenders. Curry, while competent, has never made an All-Defensive Team.

• Less Physical Versatility: At 6’2″, he doesn’t dominate across positions like Magic (6’9″ point guard) or LeBron.

• Durability Concerns: Injuries have hampered multiple seasons, especially in his early years.

Even with a fifth ring, some voters and analysts may still hesitate to put Curry above two-way monsters like MJ or LeBron.

What a 5th Ring Would Represent

If Stephen Curry wins one more title — especially as the clear Finals MVP — he would:

• Join the 5-ring club, an exclusive group of legends

• Cement the Warriors dynasty as one of the greatest ever

• Prove his ability to sustain greatness into his mid-30s

• Give credence to the idea that he’s the most influential player since Jordan

Influence, longevity, championships, and statistics — these are the metrics for greatness. And Curry is checking every box, slowly but surely.

GOAT Conversations Are Fluid

What makes the GOAT discussion so heated is that it evolves with time. Ten years ago, LeBron James hadn’t won in Cleveland. Five years ago, Kawhi Leonard looked poised to enter GOAT talks with his Finals MVP in Toronto.

Curry has already defied expectations and rewritten the rulebook. With one more peak performance on the biggest stage, it may be impossible to keep him out of the Top 5 conversation.

Conclusion: One More Might Be Enough

So, could Stephen Curry really join the GOAT ranks with just one more title and Finals MVP?

Yes — and here’s why:

• His unique influence on the game is unmatched

• He’s already a 4-time champion with historic shooting records

• Another championship at his age would prove longevity and leadership

• It would tie or surpass the accomplishments of other GOAT contenders

While fans may never fully agree on who the true GOAT is, Stephen Curry’s legacy is undeniable. One more title might not make him the GOAT, but it could put him firmly among the greatest ever, and that, as Kendrick Perkins argues, is more than enough.