Stephen Curry’s weaknesses. He Ever Be the Goat.

Stephen Curry has undeniably transformed the game of basketball. His revolutionary style of shooting, ball handling, and playmaking has made him one of the most influential players in NBA history. Curry has revolutionized how the game is played, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible beyond the arc and creating an entirely new offensive blueprint for future generations. With three championships and two MVP awards to his name, it’s hard to argue against his legacy.

However, despite his immense impact and numerous accolades, there remains one burning question: Can Stephen Curry ever be considered the Greatest of All Time (GOAT)? While his extraordinary talent is undeniable, there are certain aspects of his game that could hinder his claim to the title of GOAT, especially when compared to other all-time legends like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, or Kobe Bryant. In this article, we’ll explore Stephen Curry’s weaknesses and examine whether they might prevent him from cementing himself as the goat in the future.

1. Defensive Limitations: The Achilles’ Heel of the GOAT Conversation

While Curry is an offensive juggernaut, his defense has often been a point of criticism throughout his career. Despite his quick hands and ability to generate steals, Curry has never been regarded as an elite defender. At just 6’2” and with a relatively slight frame for an NBA superstar, Curry has often struggled against larger, more physical players, particularly on the defensive end.

While he’s had moments of brilliance—such as his crucial defensive plays during the Warriors’ playoff runs—Curry’s lack of elite defensive consistency has been a weakness that has been highlighted in matchups against bigger, stronger guards and wings. This can be particularly noticeable when compared to other players in the GOAT conversation. Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant, for example, were known for their lockdown defense as well as their offensive prowess, making them dominant two-way players. Curry, while an efficient defender within Golden State’s team defensive scheme, has often been exposed in one-on-one situations.

Takeaway: Curry’s defensive limitations, especially in comparison to other all-time greats, could prevent him from being universally seen as the GOAT. A truly dominant player in the GOAT conversation must be exceptional on both sides of the ball, which is an area where Curry’s game falls short.

2. The Finals Record: A Stumbling Block for the GOAT Argument

While Curry’s accolades and statistics are undeniably impressive, his career in the NBA Finals has had its ups and downs. With three championships in six appearances, Curry’s Finals record of 3-2 is often a point of discussion among critics. Although Curry has proven to be clutch in many postseason games, critics point to the fact that two of his Finals appearances ended in losses to teams that many consider inferior in terms of talent (the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 and the Toronto Raptors in 2019).

In the 2016 Finals, Curry’s Warriors led 3-1 before faltering in one of the most iconic comebacks in NBA history, with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving leading the Cavaliers to a stunning victory. Curry’s performance in the 2016 Finals—especially in Games 5 and 7—has been criticized for its inconsistency, with many pointing to it as a blemish on his legacy.

In 2019, the Warriors, battling injuries, lost to the Toronto Raptors in six games. While Curry played admirably throughout the series, his inability to carry a depleted Warriors roster to another title raised questions about his ability to deliver in tough circumstances.

When compared to the careers of Michael Jordan (6-0 in Finals) or LeBron James (4-6 in Finals but with far more appearances), Curry’s Finals record doesn’t carry the same level of perfection or dominance that is often associated with the GOAT title. While three championships are impressive, a less-than-perfect Finals record is often cited as one of the key arguments against Curry’s claim to being the GOAT.

Takeaway: Stephen Curry’s less-than-immaculate Finals record, particularly his 2016 collapse and his inability to win a title when his team was injured, presents a major obstacle in the GOAT conversation. Success in the Finals and consistently delivering in high-pressure moments is crucial for anyone vying for the GOAT title.

3. The Lack of a Versatile Scoring Game

Stephen Curry’s shooting range is arguably the greatest in NBA history, but his scoring ability has its limits. Unlike Michael Jordan, who could dominate inside with his elite finishing around the rim, or LeBron James, who can score both inside and out with ease, Curry’s game is heavily reliant on the three-point shot. His incredible shooting ability has revolutionized the game, but his offensive arsenal isn’t as versatile as some of the other all-time greats.

Curry can struggle when teams defend the three-point line aggressively or when his shot isn’t falling. In moments where he can’t rely on his three-point shooting, he often faces difficulties in breaking down defenses and scoring efficiently in other ways. His lack of a consistent post-up game, mid-range game, or ability to finish strong through contact like some other superstars puts a ceiling on his offensive flexibility, limiting his effectiveness in some scenarios.

While Curry’s three-point shooting has made him nearly unstoppable, this dependency on the long ball and his lack of diverse scoring methods compared to players like Jordan, LeBron, or Kobe mean that his offensive game can be more easily shut down when facing tough, well-coached defenses.

Takeaway: Curry’s reliance on the three-point shot and lack of a more versatile offensive game may hinder his claim as the GOAT. While his shooting is unmatched, a truly all-around scoring game is often necessary to be considered the best to ever play.

4. Injuries and Durability: A Concern for Long-Term Legacy

Injuries have also been a concern in Stephen Curry’s career. While he has played consistently in recent seasons, his history of ankle issues and the toll of playing a high-intensity, fast-paced game have raised questions about his durability and long-term legacy. Curry has been known to miss stretches of games due to injury, especially early in his career, and some critics argue that a player’s ability to stay healthy over a prolonged period is crucial in the GOAT conversation.

For example, both LeBron James and Michael Jordan played for extended stretches without significant injuries, which allowed them to rack up impressive career statistics and championships. In contrast, Curry’s injuries, particularly early in his career, delayed his trajectory and have kept him from playing as many seasons as some of the all-time greats. This could impact his ability to accumulate the same career numbers as players like LeBron, who is approaching his 20th season, or Jordan, who played for 15 seasons in the NBA.

Takeaway: Curry’s history of injuries and questions about his long-term durability could impact his career longevity and his ability to challenge other all-time greats in terms of total career accomplishments.

Conclusion: Can Curry Be the GOAT?

Stephen Curry is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in NBA history and has done more to change the game than anyone else in the modern era. However, when compared to the other GOAT candidates—Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant—Curry’s weaknesses are hard to ignore. His defensive limitations, lack of Finals perfection, dependence on the three-point shot, and injury concerns all play a role in questioning whether he can truly be considered the Greatest of All Time.

While Curry has already cemented his legacy as one of the best to ever play, the GOAT debate often requires a combination of individual greatness, team success, and longevity. Only time will tell if Curry can overcome these weaknesses and continue to elevate his game to secure his place as the undisputed GOAT. For now, it’s safe to say that Curry is certainly among the greatest, but whether he can claim the GOAT title may depend on his ability to overcome the challenges outlined above.