The GOAT conversation will forever live on as long as the legends do, or at least as long as other legends talk about it. Right now, Steph Curry, an eventual legend, is at the center of it. The center of the GOAT conversation usually focuses on Michael Jordan and LeBron James, and rightfully so. However, with the Kobe Bryant‘s, Bill Russell‘s, Magic Johnson‘s, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar‘s of the world included in this hotly covered topic, according to another legend, Shaquille O’Neal himself, Curry belongs in the GOAT debate—Skip Bayless says absolutely not.
Skip Bayless Refutes NBA HOF’er In GOAT Talk
Shaquille O’Neal Rides for Steph Curry In the GOAT Conversation, Skip Bayless Brings It Back to Michael Jordan
The former Fox Sports icon and face of the now departed debate show Undisputed, Bayless has been off the public airwaves for months now, yet his voice is still as loud via his podcast. Not willing to go out quietly, Bayless has injected himself into the latest installment of the NBA GOAT conversation, which was initiated by Shaq following a masterful shooting performance by Curry last week. The “greatest shooter God has ever created,” as Stephen A. Smith has coined it, went for 56 points against the Orlando Magic last Thursday and has followed up with 29, 21, and 28-point outings since then. The Golden State Warriors have looked rejuvenated since acquiring Jimmy Butler, and so has Curry.
However, as great and soon-to-be legendary as Curry is, does he belong in the GOAT conversation, as Shaq so adamantly suggests? In Shaq’s words, ‘I’ve played against Mike, played with Kobe, played against and with LeBron, they’re all great. But at some point, you’ve got to put Steph Curry in that category.’ Curry’s case for GOAT status relies on him being the greatest shooter in the league’s history and the fact that he revolutionized the game of basketball significantly. That said, Bayless will have none of it when it comes to Curry being considered a GOAT contender (Twitter link).
“Shaq just said Steph belongs in the GOAT convo. HUH? Steph was awful Games 5/6/7 as Dubs blew 3-1 lead to Cavs, then begged KD [Kevin Durant] to come save [GSW] from LeBron, which KD did in back-to-back Finals. Iggy [Andre Iguodala] was MVP of 1st Finals. Better than MJ? Please. Shaq is more GOATISH than Steph,”
Shaq just said Steph belongs in the GOAT convo. HUH? Steph was awful Games 5/6/7 as Dubs blew 3-1 lead to Cavs, then begged KD to come save GSt from LeBron, which KD did in back-to-back Finals. Iggy was MVP of 1st Finals. Better than MJ? Please. Shaq more GOATISH than Steph.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) March 5, 2025
The Case for Steph
Leave it to Bayless to insert Jordan into the fray. Skip’s undying loyalty is admirable yet tiring. Of course, everyone who breathes air understands that Curry doesn’t touch Jordan. I’m sure Shaq knows this also, and he wasn’t insinuating otherwise. Only that Steph belongs in the discussion. Bayless, however, had to take it there. What it truly comes down to, and what it would appear from Shaq’s perspective, is respecting the greatness of Curry and what he’s done for the game. Many already believe him to be the greatest point guard ever, surpassing Magic.
Skip does have one thing right on this matter, though. It’s true that Shaq has more GOAT in him than Curry does. If Shaq, who wishes he were part of the GOAT talk, is standing up for another to be invited in, that’s saying something. It’s even more important considering he and Curry are vastly different players with different games. The better case for Curry is not GOAT but a top ten player of all time. Of course, Skip might skip that debate, too.
© Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
