The Harsh Truth About The NBA's Point Guard GOAT Debate 

Who's the PG GOAT in your opinion?

Steph won his rings against the goat of his era. Magic won them with the goat of his era

One thing I feel like could be argued, is Steph’s gravity can be thought of as an assist. Obviously super Hard to quantify, but think of how def Elses have changed in general and against him. They Double and triple Team him And all eyes are on him at all times. Leaving teammates open to wide open for easy shots. Steph also took a dead Team and built a dynasty. One could argue he should have another finals mvp over igoudala.

Magic joined a 47-35 team with Kareem, Jamal Wilkes, Michael Cooper, Norm Nixon and Spencer Haywood. Curry joined a 29-53 team with Stephen Jackson, Cory Maggette, Ronny Turiaf, Monta Ellis and Andris Biedrins. Magic had a big advantage from the very beginning as afar as quality of teammates. Magic joined a very good team and made them great. Curry and Jordan joined bad teams and made them great.

Another huge consideration that you didn't mention was the fact that even though Curry has less assists, his gravity because of the lethal jump shot of his makes his teammates open just as effectively as a magic assist

Funny how I haven't watched the video yet but know that Curry is the better point guard in his opinion

Magic and Curry are different type of point guards. Magic was more of a facilitator whereas Steph is more of a scorer seeking the 3 point shot at every opportunity. On an all time-team, it would be great to see them both in the same backcourt because of their different roles.

You lost me when u had to use Steph's free throw percentage stat to compare to Magic's assists, rebounds and steals to balance things out😂

when it comes to scoring titles, we have to remember that steph SAT OUT more 4th quarters than other stars ever, because the games were so blown out by the third quarter. imagine if he did not sit those games out... hed have more points total and maybe two or three more scoring titles.

Something nobody wants to admit is that Magic dominated when the pool of talent was smaller. I have kids in basketball development leagues in elementary and the talent level today is astonishing compared to when I was growing up. Today, thousands of kids are being developed all around the world, much more so than Magic's era. Magic was a shark in a pool compared to Steph being a killer whale in the Pacific Ocean.

Magic and Kareem are both top 10 players and they won their 5 championship together and Kareem have 1 championship without Magic but Magic has 0 without Kareem.., Kobe and Shaq had their 3 and then Kobe had 2 without him and Shaq only had 1 without Kobe. Curry has 2 Championship without KD while KD has 0 without Curry. And what makes it interesting is that KD has never been in discussion for top 10 all time while Curry has been even before he won his 4th ring.

Magic went to a perfect situation with hall of famer player. Curry went to a losing team and made his peers hall of famer.

People don’t understand that we’re talking about a point guard and not the goat… Ability to create chances for your teammates and other things contribute but ability to create for your teammates is what makes you a point guard… And to me, they are both up there… It doesn’t matter who is one or two… Personally I pick Steph…

“What if curry had someone like Kareem” as if he didn’t win two championships with the most stacked team of all time

Magic always played with a bunch of top notch teammates, including Kareem, Worthy, Byron Scott, A.C. Green, Jamaal Wilkes, Michael Cooper, Bob McAdoo, Mitch Kupchak, etc.

I like both. But as you said, Magic has been great from the beginning of his career. As great as a shooter Curry is, a real point guard is to dish the ball, which Magic excelled at.

I think that is why there is an "argument" for GOAT status. There is merit for both sides. What is guaranteed with Steph's entrance into the conversation against Magic is that Magic and Steph are the bar for being the GOAT point guard, he is moving the others like Steve Nash, John Stockton, and Chris Paul to the category of top 10. Steph will have his opportunity over the next few years to make it go from a toss up to definitive.

To me he already is especially with this 4th ring not because he finally won fmvp but because it showed once again that he can win without kd and ask yourself could magic win without Kareem. Cus the answer was no. And not to mention he should’ve won the 15’ fmvp but that’s another topic. But with another ring and fmvp that would put curry tied with magic with magic having the clear edge in 1 more fmvp and mvp. I think by then the masses will have fully switch over to the curry is the goat PG

Warriors did it!! 👍👏🔥🔥❤️❤️ The combination of CP 3, TJD, JK and Dario Saric is exactly what is needed for Warriors, mainly for the non-Steph minutes. If they manage to win those or at least not lose them too heavily, they're in really good shape!! 🙏🙏👍👏

Curry

Bro is always glazing the warriors

Love the chapter titles and quotes

I don't normally agree with the analysts, BUT, the one point I do agree with them is; "Steph is a "2" masquerading as a point gaurd. He is NOT a true point gaurd; so that should end the debate right there. This isn't saying that Steph can't or doesn't play point, but the job is mainly performed by Draymond, which makes him so valuable to the Warriors. He does all of the dirty work (pun intended) and gets Steph the looks he needs. If Steph was a true point with no Draymond, I don't think Steph and the Warriors would've had the same success.

Great video!!! I like the fair and balanced analysis. It’s a tough debate. Most people have Magic in their top 5-6 players of all time. If Steph surpasses him in the PG Goat debate then Steph has to be in the top 5, but nobody actually ranks him that high. However, after his last chip I think we have to start considering if Steph is now at this moment a top 5 player of all time??? In no particular order without including Wilt and Bill with me being ok with swapping a few players here and there: 1. MJ 2. Lebron 3. Kobe 4. KAJ 5. Magic 6. Steph 7. Hakeem 8. Shaq 9. Duncan 10. Bird 11. Durant Before his 4th chip I had Steph ranked between 8-12, but now that he has 4 rings you have to put him right up there with the likes of Magic. Do you think Steph at this very moment being #6 is a real thing? If he can give us another 4 years of great all-star caliber basketball and can lead his team to another chip or 2 then I think he easily cracks the top 5 dare I say top 3. Let me know your thoughts? 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽

Starts the video saying that will do an unbiased analysis and once the data doesn't help his point proceeds just to count the numbers that help his opinion...I shouldn't even be surprised after the video where you put Steph over Jokic as the best current player, what a fanboy

your main argument against magic is that his team was better despite steph putting together the best team of all time and in a separate year going 73 - 9

Everyone can pass like magic, no one can shoot like curry

Can you make a video about Lebron vs Jordan? I wanna know who is better than the two of them. I want you to tackle the: • Statistics (Points, Assists, Rebounds, etc) • Achievements • Versatility and Flexibility • Basketball IQ • Competition (Which era is harder? Does players today really are better than before?) • Does Handchecking really affected the game? • Which era has a harder defense? • What are the effects of Zone Defense in the game of basketball?

Well thought-out argument. I was a fan of Magic from his time at Michigan State. He was too good for his team. I watched him fire a cross-court pass to a teammate that bounced off the poor guy's chest. Right in the shooting pocket. Only after he reached the NBA could Magic unleash his full skill set. And man, did he. I loved that era. Kareem. Bird. So many other great players. But I have to say this: today's league is better. Tougher. Talent is better distributed. Players are more athletic. Injury recovery is better. As great as Kareem was - make no mistake, he was the real deal - many of today's big men are stronger and space the floor better. And as good as Magic was on a fast break, he wasn't quite equal to more than one contemporary ball handler in this league. Including Steph. Magic was a better defender; his length and quickness paid off. But there has never been a better shooter in this league than Steph. Both changed the league. Magic with his passing prowess dared players to up their passing games. Steph inspired a whole generation to get better at distance shooting. It's as hard to settle this question as it is to settle any other argument between different eras. We all have our opinions. But I'm choosing Steph. His peak against Magic's, both at their career bests, lets Steph edge ahead. Too bad we can't look at plus-minus for both players. But back then, that stat wasn't tracked, I don't think.

I already know this guy is going to gas up Steph curry as much as possible. Edit: watched the video, bro said that magic Johnson’s passing was basically just him dumping the ball to Kareem

Jxmyhighroller: you can copy my homework but change some of the answers so it looks different HoopReports:

Man , that 2022 finals was something... i thought celtics were gonna win.. most balanced team in nba... tatum, brown, smart was dpoy. Klay 1st year back from 2 year injury... steph was basically the warriors whole offense. Celtics threw every defensive scheme at curry.. and the man basically single handedly beat the celtics offensively. Im not so sure magic could do the same in that situation.

Magic won Finals MVP as a rookie. Anyone that saw Magic play understands why he is considered the best PG. The video doesn’t address that these players play under different rules. Virtually no defense is played in today’s game in comparison. Stats are inflated in today’s game so comparing eras has to be put into context. Magic didn’t grow up with a 3 point line while Steph did. For me, Magic is a top 3 player Alltime. Steph isn’t.

Curry is the GReatest Point Gaurd why is there still a Debate???

Magic's 86-87 season is GOATED

Steph is the best point guard period.

The fact that you need to cherry pick stats to even have an argument means you already lost the debate

It’s like magic is a cassette player and Steph is a smart phone. The magic prototype will likely never be successful again. You have to be able to shoot.

Best of both worlds - Magic plays the 1, Curry plays the 2.

I just watched your whole video and you literally didn't bring up defense. Like that's not half the game. Like Magic can play center with the best players in the world. And was the best point guard. He could guard all 5 positions. That makes a huge difference. The game is not all about offense. I can't even take you serious when you're making videos this long and fuse to bring up defense at all.

I think at the end of Steph’s career he will definitely be the best point guard of all time. But Steph is also my favorite player, so I don’t think I can say much. 🙂 also great video keep it up

Crazy that your list of those in the GOAT conversation didn't include the all time assists and steals leader.

curry has that gravity that you can't let him move or else it's over. and even if you try to guard him it will be a real challenge

Steph created an unwatchable NBA, he can shoot but all the NBA does is shoot 3s now. Magics fastbreak was a great watch over launching 3s

Go dubs

If we use all the normal comparisons the other guy wins but if I cherry-pick my own comparisons then my guy wins.

steph is the BEST PG ever period. been watching the NBA since the 70s. no one, i mean no one, revolutionized the game the way steph did. he gave hope to players who are physically small and dominate the game. not even MJ was guarded the way steph is being guarded. when steph crosses half court, watch how he is guarded. no one,i mean no one, has that much effect. these are facts.

Is Stephen Curry played in the 80s he would have also save the NBA

Oldheads will never accept when who they watched gets passed

Chef curry da goat point guard

I'm a forever fan of Magic since he started playing in Lakers team, it's not because he's my idol but for me he's the best point guard & best player coz during his college days he made his school champion & in his rookie year, he made his team a world champion & won an MVP award.His videos of all his past games showed how he played excellent for me, his incredible passing, alertness of mind, showed leadership among his team mates, a great facilitator..not after to make score but let all his team mates to score too. The most unforgettable he did was when Kareem Abdul Jabbar wasn't able to played in the finals in G6 for the world Championship due to injury & Magic Johnson played the role of Kareem as a center,his role as forward, scorer, rebounder & high percentage in assist in which Steph can't do to be the center due to his height as 6'2 compared to Magic Johnson as 6'9.Bec of Magic Johnson, many celebrities watched NBA games due to his showtime style of playing in which everyone were thrilled & enjoyed so much.I can't see anyone now how to play like Magic Johnson..he's incredible & fun to watch him played. If he didn't leave NBA year 1991,his stats will show more of his achievements. Whereas Steph was a good scorer especially in 3 point shooting & fun to watch too. but can't deny the fact that Magic Johnson played much better than him..

For me it’s Steph. He’s more of a killer and can absolutely turn the game around with only a few shots. He’s one of a kind

The fact is that folks that know hoop will create a roster of Magic as PG and Curry as SG. That should tell you whom the better PG is.

The debate ends once those in magic era are in their graves.

Shouldn't even be a debate. Steph is a great SG disguised as a PG. Magic is a great true PG (its ridiculous that there's an argument that he's a point forward). lol yall making things more complicated than it already is.

"Steph didn't start as a starplayer compared to Magic who started from the get go" Really? Is this Magic's Fault? 😂😂😂

Stephen Curry is the goat PG, no debate

I believe this is the only case where I’ll allow a co-goat holder, both revolutionized what it means to be a point guard, both won a against their eras of the goat, both are insanely dominant in their own ways, they are both #1 point guards now

first

Ik ur using jxmyhighrollers mj vs lebron video as a format for this one. Still great video!!!!

This is easy to answer. Put whoever you think is the best ever at each position. Then imagine Steph being their PG and then do the same with Magic. Which do you think leads that team to more wins over the other one? Imo, I think the magic led team would beat the Steph led team. Magic was a true floor general who dominated the game at both ends of the floor with his size, handle, athleticism, and ability to see the floor (it helps being 6’9”). If Magic had had a full career, he’d be in the GOAT (regardless of position) debate).

its not bias until you bring up what if scenarios lol

In my opinion, Curry isn't a point guard. He is a shooting guard. He does his best work without the ball. Green is the point on the Warriors. Green is the one that gets the ball where and when it needs to be. The only thing scarier then ball in Stephs hands is the ball in Greens hands with Steph running through the middle. You know that as soon as he gets to his mark, the ball will be there and there is nothing that can be done about that.

HOF Magic Johnson is an awesome "traditional" PG who played in a tougher era! Future HOF Sheph Curry is a great SG playing in a more "wide-open" player era! Magic still has the edge!

Ill choose curry over magic anyday anywhere😅

John Stockton, Gary Payton and Allen Iverson should be entered here.

Great food for thought. The reality is that Steph has reinvented the position. The same is true with Magic in the Showtime era. Steph is a shooting point guard. Magic was a point foward. By definition alone. The ability to make your team mate better is to ASSIST, position by way of the PASS, to give him the greatest opportunity to score. One other note; Kareem, and James Worthy are in the Hall of Fame. Clay Thompson, and Dramon Green ? maybe not. My preference, Ervin Magic Johnson.

Steph is like Iverson... A shooting guard playing the P.G position...

Steph is more of a shooting guard, you understand jokic averaged more assists per game than steph for the past 4 years and he's a center.

forced debate is clearly magic

I keep seeing "Well Steph had KD so", when Kareem was clearly the best player of his era, the same as LeBron (who most will consider Steph his rival). KD was arguably 3rd best when Steph started ascending. Also, if you think 3 years of Kevin Durant is equal to 10 years of Kareem, then I just think youre hating on Kareem just to hate on Steph. Remember one of those guys has been in the goat convo for about 40 years now. I have Steph for that reason, as well as the fact that he is the centerpiece and foundation of a dynasty. It started with him and will end with him. Winning in year 1 means you joined a great team. Honestly, you can argue point guard semantics all day, I have Steph as the better player

Great video!! Appreciate you

Starting by listening great point guards and not mentioning the all time leader in both assists and steals undermines your credibility.

stephen The Chef curry

Magic is best point guard ever! Curry isn’t a point guard! He’s SG

Just imagine if Steph has the height of Magic Johnson, STEPH WOULD EASILY DEMOLISHED EVEN THE LIKES OF LEBRON JAMES.

I genuinenly cannot stand how people change the narrative to put steph ahead. magic has better stats, more accolades, more championships. why is it a debate?? magic won 3 of the 5 mvps and was better than kareem probably 9/10 seasons. there was no dynasty before or after magic. comparing kareem at age 32 to age 42 to a prime lebron is ABSURD. You should 100% punish a player for having worse career stats this is bs. Curry literally entered the top 10 discussion 1 year ago. 🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️recency bias. curry literally had 2-4 all star teammate in his prime. got outplayed by kyrie irving.

If you look at what a point guard traditionally is magic is the goat no doubt. Curry is just listed as a point guard, but he plays more like a mixture of a point and shooting guard. I mean a lot of times fcking draymond runs the point for the Warriors. I think there is a debate on who the better player is or who had the biggest impact on the game, but if we are looking at just being a point guard magic takes the cake easily.

Greatest argument for curry is he literally built a franchise magic came into a great one.

Here's the thing... Steph isn't a point guard. If you had a 7' footer who could shoot like Steph, but didn't rebound or defend, would you say he's the greatest Center? No you wouldn't. Steph is a shooting guard. Oh you don't want him in that category do you? Because he doesn't stack up to MJ or Kobe. Steph is NOT the greatest PG or SG. He's just the greatest shooter. Period.

Bro what is Steph supposed to say no to the best pg ever? Like huge respect to Steph for having competitive spirit he is the goat pg and he has to believe it that’s like asking Lebron are u good at basketball u have believe in yourself huge respect to Steph!

I knew it from the start he's gonna be bias towards steph even if he said that there's no bias in the start lol

Its a reason why the opposition needs to thank God that Curry didnt get Magic's height. No look passes or look away 3s? 😁

Great video bro

Magic revolutionised the pointguard position and opened it up to big men. Steph revolutionised the game and opened it up to big big men shooting threes.

Why no mention of John Stockton among great point gaurds? Even Magic said Stockton is the perfect point guard.

If Curry can get another chip the only argument to make for the debate is your preference on HOF shooting or passing..

Yoh,. My word. I would take KJ Kevin Johnson, over a ton of most new age point guards. Not Steph but a Ton of the other guys

That nba marketing department working hard today. This the most rubix cube conclusion explanation I've ever heard this evening.

the way i look at it is “who would i not want to play against more” and its Steph he is a lethal 3 level scorer with great playmaking and because hes such a threat from all areas of the court you have to guard him the second he crosses into half court and his gravity pulls defenses away and helps his teammates get open

As of right now, steph and magic are equals. Diffrence is that steph still plays (even at a mvp level), while magic already retired. Stephs longevity will edge out magic at some point, difficult to say whan, might be next season, maybe the season after that. But steph certainly will play til he is 40 and will put up great numbers the next 3-4 seasons. Its just a question about time, when he will surly surpass magic, but it will happen

Nah Magic Johnson still best PG all-time, Stephen Curry best shooter all-time PERIOD.

All love. Steph probably should've just manned up and been like,. 'I do what do but nah nobody's ever gonna run the point like Magic '... .... Doesn't mean he's not the icon that he is

There is NO DEBATE. Steph Curry greatest Point Guard without AIDS ever.

There's a reason CHRIS PAUL ain't in the discussion for best point guard. He's been in the NBA for damn near 20 years...played on 4 different teams (so far)...and haven't accomplished SHHT in his entire career. Hasn't set any records...hasn't broken any records...NOTHING. And, now he's JOINED the WARRIORS. Omg 😐

Just retitle your channel as “I love curry and is biased as fuck”

Numbers don't lie. Neither does geometry. Steph changed the geometry, trigonometry, and topology of the game.

Was going on bro 🙏🙏

If the players you want to compare played in a different era, you have to consider that

Nice video. To me, the question of who is the GOAT PG is kind of silly. It depends largely on how one defines a PG and what attributes one values more. 'Greatest' is literally in the eye of the beholder. That said, what an amazing thing it's been to root for the Ws in the Curry era. After decades in the wilderness, it's like a dream come true. Now, go get that 5th ring, young man!