Podcast Summary: The Stephen A. Smith Show Episode: Stephen A's Take: No doubt! Steph Curry is the Greatest Shooter of All-Time! Release Date: March 15, 2025

Overview

In this passionate and in-depth episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith joins guest Peter Tilden to celebrate and analyze the illustrious career of NBA superstar Steph Curry. With Curry turning 37 and recently achieving his 4,000th three-point shot, the discussion centers on his undeniable status as the greatest shooter in basketball history and his rightful place in the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) conversations.

Key Discussions

1. Celebrating Steph Curry's Milestones

Peter Tilden kicks off the episode by highlighting Curry's significant achievements:

• Milestone Birthday: Steph Curry turns 37, marking a remarkable longevity in his career.

  "Steph just turned 37. Today is, I started off three seasons ago he had reached the 3,000 career mark on three pointers." [01:02]

• Three-Point Records: Curry surpassed Ray Allen’s record of 2,973 three-pointers in December 2021 and has since added over 1,000 more, bringing his total to 4,000.

• Season Performance: Averaging 11.23 three-point attempts per game with a success rate just under 40%, Curry continues to defy age-related performance declines.

2. Steph Curry's Unmatched Shooting Prowess

Tilden delves into the nuances of Curry's shooting abilities:

• Volume and Accuracy: With 873 more three-pointers than any player in NBA history, Curry's shooting volume is unparalleled.

  "He is the greatest shooter God has ever created." [01:30]

• Versatility: Curry's ability to create his own shot from various distances and off the dribble sets him apart from his peers.

• Impact on the Game: Defenders are perpetually on alert, adjusting their strategies to counter Curry’s relentless shooting, which alters the dynamics of entire games.

  "Every defense has to keep its collective head on a swivel trying to find where he is at all times because he can pull up from anywhere." [02:45]

3. Comparing Curry to NBA Legends

The conversation shifts to placing Curry among the all-time greats:

• Resume Comparison: Curry's accolades include four NBA championships, two MVP awards, eleven All-Star selections, two Scoring Championships, and an Olympic gold medal.

• GOAT Discussion:

  • Magic Johnson: Tilden appreciates Magic's five championships and tactical genius as a point guard but emphasizes Curry's transformative impact.
  • LeBron James & Michael Jordan: While acknowledging their greatness, Tilden argues that Curry's unique skill set warrants his inclusion in the top-tier discussions.

  "If we're going to talk about Kobe top five and we going to talk about the Tim Duncan of the world top five, how would he summarily dismiss the notion of Steph Curry being in that conversation? Definitely top 10." [07:15]

4. Curry’s Holistic Impact on Basketball

Beyond shooting, Tilden explores Curry’s overall influence:

• Ball Handling: Curry’s exceptional dribbling allows him to navigate defenses effortlessly, creating scoring opportunities for himself and teammates.

• Conditioning and Longevity: Maintaining peak physical condition at 37, Curry continues to deliver high-performance games, such as averaging over 30 points following Jimmy Butler’s arrival.

• Defensive Considerations: While not primarily known for his defense, Curry’s offensive dominance compels opponents to allocate significant resources to contain him.

5. The Broader Implications of Curry’s Legacy

Tilden discusses how Curry’s success has reshaped basketball strategies and youth training:

• Evolution of the Game: Curry has influenced the NBA's emphasis on three-point shooting, altering team compositions and coaching strategies.

• Inspiring the Next Generation: Young athletes look up to Curry’s work ethic and shooting mechanics, aspiring to emulate his success.

6. Concluding Salute to Steph Curry

Peter Tilden wraps up the discussion with heartfelt praise:

"It's just special salute on his 37th birthday. We can give him nothing but praise. He is that phenomenal." [09:00]

• Final Assertions: Tilden firmly asserts that Curry not only deserves a spot in GOAT conversations but also challenges listeners to reconsider existing rankings to accommodate Curry’s extraordinary contributions.

  "He warrants a legitimate discussion because it's undeniable that he now belongs in the conversation if we're able to call him the greatest shooter God has ever created." [09:45]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "Steph just turned 37. Today is, I started off three seasons ago he had reached the 3,000 career mark on three pointers." [01:02]
• "He is the greatest shooter God has ever created." [01:30]
• "Every defense has to keep its collective head on a swivel trying to find where he is at all times because he can pull up from anywhere." [02:45]
• "He's that great. He's that spectacular. We got to give it to him." [05:30]
• "Who do you take out? Do you take out Duncan? Take out Bird? Take out Kobe? [...] we gotta ask ourselves these questions." [07:15]
• "He warrants a legitimate discussion because it's undeniable that he now belongs in the conversation if we're able to call him the greatest shooter God has ever created." [09:45]

Conclusion

This episode serves as a comprehensive tribute to Steph Curry, meticulously detailing his achievements, skill set, and profound impact on the game of basketball. Through compelling arguments and insightful comparisons, Peter Tilden effectively positions Curry not just as the greatest shooter of all time but also as a transformative figure deserving of a place among basketball’s all-time greats. For listeners, especially those unfamiliar with Curry’s full legacy, this discussion provides a compelling case for his enduring greatness and lasting influence on the sport.