Shaquille O’ Neal wants to add Stephen Curry to the GOAT debate

The NBA’s Greatest of All Time (GOAT) debate has long revolved around a few legendary names—Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and sometimes even Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or Magic Johnson. However, according to Shaquille O’Neal, it’s time to add another name to that conversation: Stephen Curry.

O’Neal, one of the most dominant big men in NBA history, recently made a strong case for Curry, insisting that his impact on the game is so profound that he deserves to be mentioned alongside the sport’s greatest players.

“I demand you fans to start putting Steph Curry in that greatest of all time convo… I played against Mike, played with Kobe, played against and with LeBron. They’re all great, but at some point, we’re going to have to put Steph Curry in that category.”

This bold statement from O’Neal reignites the GOAT discussion and forces fans and analysts to reevaluate where Stephen Curry stands in NBA history.

The Case for Stephen Curry as a GOAT Contender

Curry’s impact on the game goes far beyond his impressive resume. His revolutionary style of play, record-breaking achievements, and championship pedigree have reshaped basketball in ways few players ever have.

1. Transforming the Three-Point Game

Before Stephen Curry, three-point shooting was a role-player’s specialty—a valuable skill but not a dominant offensive strategy. Today, because of Curry, the three-point shot has become the most important weapon in modern basketball.

His ability to shoot from anywhere on the court, off the dribble, under pressure, and at a historically high percentage has redefined how teams construct offenses.

Unmatched Three-Point Records

• Most Career Three-Pointers Made: Curry currently holds the NBA record for most career three-pointers, surpassing Ray Allen’s previous mark.
• Single-Season Three-Point Record: He holds the record for most threes in a single season (402 in 2015-16), shattering his own records multiple times.
• Most Seasons Leading the NBA in threes, Curry has led the league in making three-pointers for eight seasons, a testament to his dominance from beyond the arc.

These numbers aren’t just stats—they symbolize how he single-handedly changed the way the game is played.

2. The Championship Legacy

Curry’s greatness isn’t just about stats—it’s about winning at the highest level.

His Championship Resume

• Four-Time NBA Champion (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022)
• NBA Finals MVP (2022)
• Unanimous MVP Winner (2016—the only player in NBA history to win the award unanimously)
• Two-Time NBA MVP (2015, 2016)

Winning four titles in eight years places him in an elite category, and his ability to lead the Warriors back to a championship in 2022 proves his enduring greatness.

3. Longevity and Continued Dominance

At 36 years old, Curry is still playing at an elite level. Unlike other superstars who see a decline in production as they age, Curry continues to dominate.

Recent Performances That Prove His Greatness

• 50-Point Masterclasses: He has recorded multiple 50+ point games well into his 30s.
• Game-Winning Heroes: He continues to deliver clutch performances with buzzer-beaters and dominant playoff outings.
• Breaking His Own Records: Even as teams focus entire defensive schemes on stopping him, he keeps setting new records.

Curry is proving that his greatness isn’t just a moment in time—it’s an era.

How Stephen Curry Compares to Other GOAT Candidates

Many fans and analysts hesitate to put Curry in the GOAT conversation because he doesn’t fit the traditional mold of an NBA superstar. Unlike Jordan, LeBron, or Shaq, Curry doesn’t dominate with size or athleticism—his impact is based on skill, intelligence, and efficiency.

Comparing Curry’s Impact to Jordan and LeBron

While Jordan and LeBron had a physical dominance that overwhelmed opponents, Curry has changed the game in a more strategic and lasting way.

“Curry changed basketball. Nobody’s ever seen anything like him before.”
— Steve Nash, Two-Time MVP

Why Curry Belongs in the GOAT Debate

There are several key reasons why Stephen Curry’s name deserves to be mentioned in the GOAT conversation:

1. He Changed the Game Forever: No player in NBA history has altered the way basketball is played as much as Curry.
2. His longevity and consistency: Unlike many superstars who decline with age, Curry continues to be a top-tier performer.
3. His Championship Pedigree: Four titles and counting, with him being the face of a dynasty.
4. He Succeeds Without Overwhelming Athleticism: Curry proves that skill and intelligence can outshine physical dominance.
5. He’s Still Writing His Legacy: Unlike Jordan or Kobe, who have retired, or LeBron, who is nearing the end, Curry still has time to add more to his resume.

What’s Next for Stephen Curry?

Curry isn’t done yet. With several elite years left in his career, he still has the opportunity to:

• Win another championship (or more), further solidifying his status.
• Break even more records, continuing his three-point dominance.
• Cement his legacy as not just one of the greatest shooters, but one of the greatest players of all time.

Final Thoughts: Does Curry Belong in the GOAT Debate?

Shaquille O’Neal’s demand that fans put Stephen Curry in the GOAT conversation is a reflection of what many have started to realize—Curry’s impact is too big to ignore.

While he may not have the same physical dominance as Jordan, LeBron, or Shaq, Curry’s transformational influence on the sport, coupled with his championship success, longevity, and individual achievements, makes it impossible to exclude him from the conversation.

So, where do you rank Stephen Curry?

• Is he Top 5 all-time?
• Does he belong above LeBron or Kobe?
• Could he surpass Jordan if he wins another title?

No matter where you place him, one thing is undeniable: Stephen Curry is one of the greatest players basketball has ever seen—and, as Shaq suggests, it’s time to start treating him that way.