It is impossible to name an NBA all-time starting five without leaving off a couple of big names. Most NBA legends have been asked the question, and even the most accomplished NBA players can have some questionable basketball opinions. Future Hall-of-Famer and the best shooter of all time, Stephen Curry, was recently asked about his all-time starting five by YouTube sensation Dude Perfect, and his updated answer had some new names on the list. In Curry’s Dude Perfect interview, Curry revealed that Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant were no longer on his all-time starting five.
Stephen Curry Leaves Legends Off His Updated All-Time Starting 5
Curry’s Previous Starting 5
The last time Curry was asked about his all-time starting five, his answer surprised many due to one omission. It was only a year ago, and Curry named Magic, Kobe, Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan, and Shaquille O’Neal as his ideal lineup. It’s hard to complain about that starting five. Shaq has the fewest NBA championships on the list, with only four. He is, however, widely considered one of the most dominant big men of all time.
When this list was released, a lot of people were up in arms at the omission of LeBron James. LeBron is considered by most to be at least the second-greatest player of all time. So, not making Curry’s list certainly raised some eyebrows.
But can you blame Curry? Curry and James have been rivals for most of their careers. After facing each other in four straight NBA Finals (Curry won three of those matchups), Curry might not have the same reverence for LeBron as many. Although LeBron has been considered by many as the GOAT, Curry beating him throughout their careers and having just as many championships might give him a different perspective.
The Curry/Dude Perfect Interview
Recently, in an interview with Dude Perfect, Curry gave his updated list. This time, LeBron was on the list, but Curry left off Magic and Kobe. Curry’s new all-time starting five include himself, Jordan, LeBron, Duncan, and Shaq. That’s a darn good starting five.
Recently, Steph Curry sat down with Dude Perfect and named his all-time five-man NBA roster.
The intrigue? His lineup has changed since last year 👀
🔗 https://t.co/IBPVVwLEXv pic.twitter.com/oUfSzyN05N
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) November 15, 2024
Putting LeBron on the list may have been a result of a newfound respect for his rival. The two were the leaders and best players on Team USA this summer in Paris. They led the team to a gold medal. As the years have gone on, both Curry and LeBron have likely gained respect for one another, and putting LeBron in your all-time starting five seems like a no-brainer.
Were Kobe and Magic Snubbed in the Curry/Dude Perfect Interview?
Leaving both Kobe and Magic off his most recent list may cause some controversy, but it is fair. Curry is the greatest shooter of all time. With four championships and countless other accolades as well, he has surpassed Magic as the greatest point guard of all-time as well in my opinion.
Kobe is a popular name for these all-time lists, but it is impossible not to have LeBron and Jordan on the list. Could Curry have put LeBron in the power-forward spot to keep Kobe around? Maybe, but it is hard to leave Duncan off. Duncan’s career might not have been as flashy as Kobe’s, but the championships, MVPs, and longevity speak for themselves. Replace Shaq with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Curry’s current list would be perfect in my eyes.
