Charles Barkley Says Bad Boy Pistons Would "Break" Steph Curry | THE ODD COUPLE 

I'm from Charlotte, Steph grew up in the 90s playing at JC Smith with regular/hood kids on the west side and we were older than him. He held his own. He's not a small person, he's just small in the nba and while he was privileged he played ball with all the hoopers.

How come old player would somehow automatically adapt to today’s game but today’s players just couldn’t possibly do the same in other eras?

They acting like every player in the NBA didn't play pick up games like that growing up. Good players can play with any rules

I’m happy Chris said what he said about Jordan and Kobe being killers and not being from the hood. I’m from the “hood” and nobody I played against would consider me a killer

With this logic the Warriors & Steph would run Charles Barkley into a cardiac arrest

Chuck act like Steph is the 1st small guy to play in the NBA. So Mugsy Bogues, Spud Webb, John Stockton, Isiah Thomas, Dennis Johnson, etc... who are much smaller than Steph took the physical play, but Steph couldn't? If Steph played in the 80s or 90s, then it would mean he grew up in that era and he'd be used to it. Steph would figure it out, just like other greats had to figure it out. Charles sounds dumb saying this!!

Michael Adams averaged 26 ppg in that era. Think about that for a second. If Reggie Miller and Alan Houston could run around illegal screens set by Antonio Davis & Charles Oakley respectively, what makes people think Curry or any other player from this era can't? It's so dumb.

MJ grew up pretty normal compared to middle class at that time, he went to public school parents worked paycheck to paycheck. He didn’t have a real basketball hoop at his house it was made of wood and crates. He grew up playing at Empie Park in Wilmington where all the projects in Wilmington play at, it can pretty ruff so I can’t put MJ on that list with Steph and Kobe

While I mostly agree with at his take about the previous era, Muggsy was 5ft and played in that era so I think Steph would be okay and still shooting the lights out.

Steph has an elite skill set so he would be great in any era, but he would've absolutely taken a beating. His entire offensive game would be more similar to his early years anyway as the game was drastically different.

We're talking about the greatest shooter EVER who can get his shot off in every way there is on a NBA Court. I think he'd be just fine. They don't call these guys generational players for nothing

Steph takes beatings all the time and NEVER gets the whistle and still drops 25-30 efficiently every night!!!!

The problem with the Bad Boys trying to play physical with Steph is that's he shoots the highest FT% of all-time.

🧢 if reggie can thrive in the bad boys era so can steph reggie best year was in '89-'90 24.6ppg 51% from the field 41% from 3 and that was during the bad boys heyday

That was just the strategy back then for unstoppable players; "nothing we can do, put him on his ass."

Of course Rob was texting or whatever during Chris' best point lol. Kobe and Mike were 2 of the toughest ever on the court...suburban doesn't mean you're not tough.

The late great Kobe said himself "Steph is a straight killer, it's a problem" enough said

Charles is also the same guy who said you ain’t winning a championship if you’re a jump shooting team…. Imagine thinking Steph couldn’t handle that. The Cavs was literally holding and pushing and pulling him for 3 straight finals and he bulked up. Steph is a generational player… if Isiah Thomas was great in that era why couldn’t Steph curry???? 😂let’s be serious here, it’s all fun and games until that man pulls up from 30 feet and having everybody look around like wtf was that?? Stephs shots aren’t regular shots man, they take the soul from the team… like saying he would get beat up, everybody got beat up back then that was the game. There was small guards back then too so stop with this foolishness.

Don’t know why them old players think today’s players couldn’t play in their time. If you can play you can play, doesn’t matter what time period.

That's my only problem with that Era is they never explain how they would play defense chuckster basically said they would just flagrant foul Steph curry the entire game That's not defense You just hacking the better player isn't defense 🤦💯

Facts. My daughter was an AAU player and quite frankly too snobby to play outdoors

If Steph played in the 80s & 90s he would still be a great player. However, his numbers (PPG, shooting %, 3-PT shooting %, etc.) would not be as impressive as they are now.

it would present a problem for sure, but so much of that beating up teams did back in the day was against driving/slashing players. Typically it happened in the paint. So you'd have to have that physical/ cheap shot type of play pull out to the perimeter where it's tougher to body up a decent ball handler as opposed to the clogged up paint. What's hardly mentioned is that so much more play in the paint and mid range happened back in the day as opposed to the pace and space era. I think Steph would get beat up more, but his perimeter play would take away quite a bit of the goon style play of the Detroit bad boys.

Sir Charles nailed it! There is not debate, especially with no hand-check anymore. Keep it in context, the Bad Boys punked Magic, Bird, and Jordan.

In the 2016 Finals and even parts of the 2015 finals the refs allowed the Cavs to be very physical with Steph and his game suffered . Barkley has a valid point.

When steph out cardio's these man and pull up from 38feet like they aint seen before im sure he would be fine Layups wont be easier for sure due to more people packing the paint and the existing brusing PF existing But mannn Steph just gonna pull up from 35 lmao 😂

This the same era that had guys like Spud Webb, Musggy Bouges, John Stockton & Isiah Thomas who are smaller than Steph playing lol Steph would average 50 against that drop coverage those slow footed centers were playing in the 80s & 90s

Great take guys

Jordan said he didn’t like shooting 3s , felt like it letting the defender off the hook … shooting 3s wasn’t his game

Rob talks about how Michael had to change his game and become more of a shooter. Yet, the greatest shooter in the game is Steph... Yeah he would have had some struggles doing his layups and so forth, but he would still find a way to be a superstar in the NBA. He probably would have become an even more accurate three point shooter had he needed to adapt his game to a more physical NBA.

It's funny how Steph is being called the first or second best PG ever, but he couldn't play in the 80's era.Curry would dominate any era, his jumpshot is literally like a layup.

The idea that these world class athletes that are more athletic than any other period in NBA history couldn't adapt to different rules is laughable. Old heads are getting so out of hand with this.. And I was born in the 80's grew up in the 90's

He would live at the foul line. His shot fakes and handles would be a problem.

He’s not wrong. I think what he’s saying is that the coaches and players would have taken steps to focus on Steph and take away his strength. The NBA today is so individual focused and everyone is so friendly that teams don’t get nasty and try to D up guys like Curry. Steph would be a focus all game for the Pistons

Thank you Broussard!

When you dont have the skills to play, you fight. The nba is more skilled based now than in the past. Most of the guys in the past wouldn't get minutes in today's nba.

The Pistons made Jordan. The Mavericks made Lebron ( he said after that 2011 loss he trained in the offseason like never before)

I feel the same way about Mahomes. He's great in this era where you can't hit the QB, but imagine if Ray Lewis or Lawrence Taylor were on the other side of the ball and you could still square up and hit the QB.

Basketball the only sport that always stuck in the 80's and 90's.

this is good discussion unlike some people saying who's better....comes down to different era which today doesn't really have defense like back then.

He mentioned KD that’s after an Achilles injury before that when he was playing against the Grizzlies defense that was way more physical than that Celtics defense he still was giving them 30 and it was a lot going on with that Brooklyn team as Milwaukee what physical defense does to KD he almost single handed sent them home.

I totally agree I like Steph but he’s not built like that

He could play in that Era given if he still had his father's insight into the rigors a especially if he grew up in that Era. He would have to possibly put on 10 pounds of muscle similar to Mike and scootie to endure the physicality. His shooting could be a huge asset because he wouldn't have to take it into the paint because he has great range.

Rob is right, Charles didn't say Steph wouldn't be a star back then. He just said Steph would get knocked around a lot, and ALL of the stars got knocked around back then by the Knicks, Celtics, and Pistons. That was their identity. Was it over the top? Yeah, it was, but it was allowed back then. The difference is that Steph wouldn't have been allowed to take 11 3s a game. Bird only took 3 treys a game because that's how coaches coached.

defense was played in those days most on the inside... very few teams had elite perimeter defenders that could keep up with todays high paced offense... especially with a guy like steph... players like scottie pippen for sure wouldve gave steph problems in the 90s but not every team has a scottie... steph wouldve ran circles around the league with his quickness and elite ball handling etc... smaller guards than steph were doing damage in the 80s and 90s ie isiah thomas, tim hardaway, allen iverson, etc... all of which steph is superior than offensively...

It’s not about Steph or Isiah taking the beating. It’s about the fact that Isiah retired at 32 because of those beatings. Meaning Steph would not have been as healthy in his career nor would he have the kind of stats he has today because it was all about the big man back then. That’s the point we’re making. He clearly would of not had the same impact on that game back then. He would have been an all star and that’s it.

I don’t understand why we waste our time on these debates. Just appreciate every era for what it is.

“Old Man yells at cloud.”

No one even guarded the 3 point line. Lmao. Steph would thrive in that era. They be forced to space instead of all huddle in the lane

Charles thinks Steph is soft.

They would break 80% of the players in today's nba. These guys now aren't use to that type of play.

Rob argument is Steph this great because he played in a controlled environment. So why nobody had the same success Steph had? We would've lots of Steph by now if that's the case. Lol!

I disagree with them on one thing. Jordan always had a mid range jumper. He just didnt shoot the 3 that much when he first joined the NBA

What a lot of younger guys don’t seem to get is…standard practice back in the days to slow a hot shooter down was to simply wack him, Wayne Gretzky got this treatment in hockey, goons sole purpose was to physically wear guys out.

People forget Larry Bird was Durant in the 80s. We dont compare them because Bird is white and Durant is Black.

People do adjust to competition. People gotta understand athletes can change how they play anytime

Bill Russel is my GOAT as far as legacy but I don’t know if he’d be a star in an offence drive league today.

Steph was small when he joined the NBA around 170lbs, but after all those injuries he got, he learned he needed to bulk up, and now he's around 185/190, I think. He's actually bigger than a lot of the guards in today's league and bigger than a lot of the guards in the 80's/90's. I think everyone has this permanent image of Steph from 2010 and they don't think he ever gained any muscles or strength. The dude is chucking 3pts from half court in the 4th quarter and making 'em; that requires strength in your legs and arms (that's why Kobe had to do strength training after those airballs against the Jazz). I think you can say that they may have broken Steph before he had a chance to bulk up, but I think Steph Curry in the second half of the 2010's would be fine.

No lies told

I agree

2015 Curry would get roughed up for sure. 2023 Curry could handle it

Also, WHEN BUCKS WENT AGAINST THE NETS THEY ALSO LET THE BUCKS BE SUPER PHYSICAL!!! BUT LET THAT BEEN LUKA, JOKER, LBJ!!!!

Damn…these two don’t even think Steph played in a park!…in his life?!! 😂 The disrespect.

Greatly said by two guys who have never played in the NBA. Sometimes I think these guys just don’t understand what former players be articulating.

Agree..I think with the trouble he had with his ankles he would be more in trouble but yes any superstar would at least be a star in any age of bball

Within the confines of the rules, the Pistons were virtually unbeatable in 1988-1990. Fans got sick of the cheap shots, they introduced flagrants and nuetered the Pistons

Step is a great player but he's brittle and protected by the refs. Stef gets injured a lot even without the physical contact. With the physical contact, it would be hard for him to stay healthy.

I been said this. Steph first four years in the league he couldn't stay healthy to save his LIFE. His ankles couldn't last at all. Now imagine his first four years but in the 80's/90's. They would have probably cut him. Or he would be his dad. I'm sorry but today's league is so WATERED down. its easy to say someone has handles when its no hand check. no one bigger forcing you to go to your weak side. its easy to have handles and finish when the big men aren't in the lane ready to beat that ass 🤣😂 Steph is great for this era. that's amazing. but let's not compare him to other eras. he literally wouldn't last

If Steph played in that Era someone would have slid their foot under his. Those weak ankles would have never made it.

I’ve seen a lot of comments accusing modern players of being soft but the NBA is not only different in terms of contact, the average modern player is bigger/taller, fitter, and much more skilful. Most of today’s modern players would adapt quickly, the old players would not adapt outside of the superstars (most skilful and technically gifted).

Wilt saw Elgin cut his elbow on the rim. My GOAT.

Old school nba players were hard and tough because they played in the hood especially in certain cities like NYC, Philly, Detroit you name it. You’ve had to have that rough rider in you otherwise they’ll think you are a sissy. Today’s NBA you gotta rely on analytics and 3 point shot like the Warriors and I personally am notta fan of that. I prefer old school east coast rough riding defense because you can have full advantage. I’m 32 by the way.

if steph was in that era he would adjust. Also, the nba would adjust to him too like the nba did to this era. Guys who can't shoot would be out of the league in 2 years lol

I’m surprised these 80’s and 90’s players can still walk with the IED’s they apparently had to deal with back in the day.

Adjusting to physicality level is 1000 times easier than developing a new skill. Everyone who has played any sport knows that.

New school is more ATHLETIC but old school is more SKILLED

There’s gonna be lots of traveling calls if the play in the 80’s and 90’s

Chuc spoke facts as usual

Superstars can adapt to any era because they want it more than stars or average players.

I agree with the sentiment.. Only objection is the Pistons would take out Steph not be able to beat him.. Stephs skill transcends eras, the Pistons style of play is locked in that era. If todays NBA is the extreme of to soft defensively, The Bad Boys are the extreme of to rough.. I think 90s and early 2000s era defense is the most balanced.

That step back move that is so common today would have been called a travel back then, making it much more difficult to create space.

You adapt to your environment I don’t understand why these guys say this. You can say Chuck wouldn’t be Chuck from the 90s if he played today. He has adapt to his environment because of his potential.

Cavs got a little physical with Curry in the Finals and broke him. He would have to be a stronger player to take that pounding, not only physically but mentally. Curry is a great player though.

This show is excellent

Facts

I feel like too many people underestimate how tough Steph Curry is. Would he get injured? Probably. But "beat up" wouldnt be enough to stop him. That and he's so good from the outside that they wouldnt get the opportunity without drawing a ton of flagrant fouls. He'd be fine.

Has Steph ever played a game outside? ... that's a funny line.

The new Gen just doesn’t get it. Literally more talented bigger players. People, just imagine Barkley. Draymond green with Hops and a mean offensive game. Let that sink in.

And these are the same people saying Bron can't survive in the 80's or 90's 🤣🤣🤣🤣

I'm not surprised Charles said it, believe it or not, some people said even Lebron wouldn't survived in the 90s which is totally laughable.

Mark Price, Johnny Dawkins, Dennis Johnson, Doc Rivers, Rod Strickland, John Paxson, Kevin Johnson, Spud Webb, Terry Porter, Tim Hardaway, Mugsy Bogues.... Now all of these guys played against those Pistons and every point guard from 1987-1991 so Steph would be able to play but he would NOT be taking these wild shots but he'd work on getting open, able to read the defense just like his father Dell Curry, he just would not get off his shots as easy and the issue would be concerning how difficult it would be off-the-ball to even get off a shot...right now Curry just gets wherever he wants on the court; it would take a minute for Curry to get open and then he'd more than likely give up on a play through jacking up a wild shot....Curry would be a different player, capable of playing but he would NOT be at the level he is now but his skills would but he would be more concerned with developing his body and HOW to get open as opposed to taking lower percentage shots.... the way you could simply put your forearm on a guy off-the-dribble and body him up off-the-ball or even on-the-ball.... look at Jeff Malone, Dale Ellis, Vinnie Johnson, Dell Curry, Joe Dumars, Mitch Richman, and Danny Ainge, they all knew how to get off a shot but take a hit and look at their size; they had the ability to be patient and get open instead of being a human pin-ball, like Curry would have done.

Colorism goes deep in that generation.

Charles was just saying it’s unfair to compare records and stats across eras. Which is true. He never said Steph wouldn’t be a star but he’s saying he wouldn’t be as good as Magic in the 80s. He said he’s on the same level as Isaiah.

Drazen Petrovic, Mahmoud, Reggie Miller, Craig Ehlo, Hornacek etc

The comissioner was saying something similar to this in a interview with KG.

That era would eat Steph alive. Especially the Bad Boys pistons. His legacy would be far more remedial had he played in the 80s or 90s as that brand of basketball is just to physical for him. Have to say Barkley is spot on.

Steph was be awesome in any era.

People forget Curry is very strong for his size. In 2016 he could bench the second heaviest amount only behind Andrew bogut. He has also added a lot of muscle between 2020 and 2023. He may not have been able to play in the late 80’s early 90’s because his ankles were weak, but I have no doubt that if you take 2021 to present Curry and put him against the bad boys he would do fine.

I think all great players skills would translate to any era. As well as they would adjust to rules, easier or harder. Steph would probably get bulky earlier in his career. Also Isaiah Thomas isn’t even bigger than Steph and he was great.

That Got damn Robb!!