Kicking off the top five of our top 25 list, we arrive at Stephen Curry. The Golden State Warriors superstar guard is one of the greatest players of all-time who has sustained success for an impressive period of time. Curry’s elite shooting helped change the game and makes him capable of being a one-man offense Let’s dive into Curry’s game and spot on the list.
Top 25 NBA Players 2024-25: No. 5 – Stephen Curry
An All-Time Great Who Changed the Game
With unmatched range, a lightning-quick release, and absurd consistency, Curry is the greatest three-point shooter of all time. The two-time MVP has made over 700 more three-pointers than anyone else in league history. His style of play changed how the game is played, causing teams to emphasize three-point shooting and floor spacing. Curry is also the best off-ball player of all-time, he constantly moves around the perimeter, creating open shots. His offensive gravity as a shooter and off-ball threat opens up the game for his teammates. Additionally, Steph is an elite ball handler, high-level finisher, playmaker, and defender. Curry’s incredible shooting, combined with his underrated all-around game, has allowed him to sustain success well into his 30s. The four-time NBA champ has a case as the best point guard in league history.
Season Recap
The Warriors had a disappointing season in which they missed the playoffs finishing as a 10-seed with a 46-36 record. Draymond Green’s suspensions, Klay Thompson’s inconsistent play, and Jonathan Kuminga’s open issues with Steve Kerr marred the Warriors season. Despite the Warriors’ shaky season, Steph had a productive individual season. He posted averages of 26.4 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.5 rebounds on 45/40/92 shooting splits. Curry also ranked in the 98th percentile for offensive plus/minus and 97th percentile for overall plus/minus. Notably, Curry was named Clutch Player of the Year in 43 clutch game games; his averages were 4.4 points on 45.7 percent shooting with a true shooting percentage of 69 and a usage rate of 40.7. This level of efficiency and responsibility is truly incredible.
Steph Curry was the best clutch player in the NBA in ‘23-‘24…
He was the best clutch player in the world on the Olympic stage and he has one of the best clutch statistical profiles in NBA history. GSW’s plan this season should be give Steph the ball and get out of the way. https://t.co/w5gKszO6Uy pic.twitter.com/Ns6yp2upFQ
— NBA University (@NBA_University) September 12, 2024
Over the summer Curry played in first ever Olympics. Curry had iconic games in the semi-finals against Serbia and in the gold medal game against France. He notched 36 points and nine threes against Sebira before pouring in 24 points and eight threes including a mind-boggling dagger three to help Team USA secure the gold medal over France. The Olympics reminded many people what Curry is capable of in high-stakes games.
Season Outlook
During the offseason, Klay Thompson left the Warriors in a sign-and-trade move with the Dallas Mavericks. Curry won’t have his splash brother on the roster for the first time since 2010-11. The Warriors replaced Thomspon with Buddy Hield, De’Anthony Melton, and Kyle Anderson. While the Warriors lack secondary creation and size next to Curry, they still have elite floor spacing. After striking out on stars Paul George and Lauri Markkanen, the Warriors are counting on internal improvements to return to the playoffs. Brandin Podziemski or Jonathan Kuminga must have a breakout season to give Curry a dependable second option. At 36, Curry can still carry an incredibly large offensive workload however, like every star he needs a dependable secondary creator.
The Warriors’ days of competing for titles are likely over. However, if Podziemski or Kuminga take a step forward and Steph continues his stellar play, the Warriors could be a solid playoff team capable of winning a first-round series. There’s a strong case to be made that no star is more important to their team than Curry. With Curry, the Warriors are playoff hopefuls. Without him, even with a possible jump from Podziemski or Kuminga, the Warriors would be a bottom-three team. Ultimately, Curry’s impact and value are immense.
The Last Word
At first glance five may seem too high for Curry at this stage of his career. Especially when comparing Curry’s ranking to his counterparts LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Should Steph be six spots higher than LeBron and four spots higher than KD? Many considered these three stars to be the “big three” of their generation and thus would have them ranked closer.
All of these stars have had an underwhelming amount of team success in the past two seasons. However, what separates Curry from these two is his lack of surrounding talent. While LeBron or KD have the luxury of playing next to Anthony Davis or Devin Booker Curry doesn’t have an All-Star caliber player or consistent second option on his team. As a result, Curry receives the most difficult coverage in the NBA and still excels individually. Ultimately, Curry’s talent and production given his situation justify his top-five ranking even at his advanced age.
Keep up with our top 25 list here.
