Answering the Magic Johnson vs Stephen Curry debate

Unknown date; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Los Angeles Lakers guard Magic Johnson (32) reacts as Boston Celtics guard Dennis Johnson points at The Forum. Mandatory Credit: MPS-USA TODAY Sports
Unknown date; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Los Angeles Lakers guard Magic Johnson (32) reacts as Boston Celtics guard Dennis Johnson points at The Forum. Mandatory Credit: MPS-USA TODAY Sports /
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Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors and LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors and LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Side-by-side Johnson vs. Curry comparisons

Magic Johnson’s NBA accolades:

  • Five-time NBA Champion
  • Three-time NBA Finals MVP
  • Three-time NBA MVP
  • 12-time NBA All-Star
  • Nine-time All-NBA First Team
  • All-NBA Second Team
  • Four-time NBA assists leader
  • Two-time NBA steals leader

Stephen Curry’s NBA accolades

  • Four-time NBA Champion
  • NBA Finals MVP
  • Two-time NBA MVP
  • Nine-time NBA All-Star
  • Four-time All-NBA First Team
  • Four-time All-NBA Second Team
  • All-NBA Third Team
  • Two-time NBA scoring champion
  • NBA steals leader
  • Most threes all time (3,390)
  • Most threes in a single season (402 in 2015-16 season)

Side-by-side comparison

  • Ball handling = Curry
  • Passing = Magic
  • Scoring = Curry
  • Shooting = Curry
  • Rebounding = Magic
  • Defense = Magic
  • Accolades = Magic

In the case of comparing players like Magic Johnson and Stephen Curry, it’s essential to recognize their unique strengths and contributions to the game. Curry’s unparalleled shooting and scoring ability have revolutionized basketball, while Magic’s playmaking and versatility set new standards for his era. Both players have left an indelible mark on the sport and point guard position in their own ways.

Ultimately, basketball player evaluation is a complex task that involves considering a wide range of factors and perspectives, not to mention the different eras. It’s important to acknowledge the limitations of any single evaluation method and approach the topic with an open mind and appreciation for the diverse skills and talents players bring to the game.