I often read “what if” stories about Steph Curry playing with the likes of LeBron, Jokic, or Giannis and people talk about how unstoppable that duo would be. Aside from Shaq, Curry is usually the player I read about when it comes to dominant “what if” duos with another superstar. Does that mean that Curry (at least after the three-point line was added) is the easiest superstar to pair with other stars?
It kinda makes sense because he is great on and off the ball and has the greatest gravitational pull in NBA history. I can’t think of any other superstar in league history who wouldn’t win multiple titles if paired with Curry.
Pair him with Magic, easy 15 assists a night for Johnson. Pair him with Kobe or MJ, no double teams for Bryant or Jordan. Give him a superstar center from the 80s or 90s, defenders have to pick who to double.
No way LeBron is easy to play with. He becomes THE system whenever he tries playing with other stars. Stars have to adjust to LeBron always having the ball. He turnd Bosh and Love into a catch and shoot player. Wade’s role decreased when Bron was there. He always has to be the one handling the ball while shooters space the floor for him.
On the other hand, Curry can play with or without the ball.