The Golden State Warriors are in the early stages of what looks to be an epic playoff run. With the Warriors finally getting fully healthy at the right time, they look like the best team in the playoffs right now. They currently have a 3-0 series lead over a Nuggets team that has an MVP candidate in Nikola Jokić but is otherwise depleted with injuries. If they are able to handle their business quickly against the Nuggets, they should be well rested for a matchup with either the Grizzlies or Timberwolves. In all likelihood, the only team realistically standing in the way of the Warriors making the NBA finals is the Phoenix Suns. The way the Warriors are playing currently is reminiscent of their championship teams in the 2010's, but winning another ring now could put Stephen Curry in very rare air. I will delve into what a championship run could mean for Stephen Curry's legacy at this point in his career.
Stephen Curry is officially the greatest shooter of all time with him breaking the all-time 3pt record earlier this season. This playoff run could raise his stature even further if he is able to win another title and possibly a finals MVP. Accomplishing both awards could put him on an even shorter list of the greatest players ever. In my opinion, he is already the 2nd greatest point guard of all time behind the great Magic Johnson. However, the ESPN ranking of the greatest players of all time has Steph ranked #16 putting him behind another great point guard in Hall of Framer Oscar Robertson who was ranked #9. I believe if Curry can have a successful postseason run by winning a fourth title it will be hard to keep him off the list of the top 10 NBA players of all time by the end of his career. The only award truly missing from his amazing basketball résumé is a finals MVP and winning his first at the age of 34 would be an impressive feat. If he is able to win another championship and first finals MVP this post season, I would have him no lower than #12 in my all-time player rankings.
Another significant factor for Stephen Curry and the Warriors is if the fact that winning a title this year would tie him with Lebron James for the most championships among active players. Of course, Lebron's status as one of the greatest players of all time is cemented but Steph tying Lebron would be a big factor in how we judge his legacy. This is because if not for the Warriors dynasty of the 2010s Lebron easily could have at least 5 or 6 rings now. Steph Curry winning as many championships as the greatest player of this generation would be a monumental achievement. Especially if you add to the fact that the Warriors championship window still appears to be wide open, there is no telling how many rings Steph could finish with when he retires.
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