North: Why Stephen Curry's not afraid to challenge Michael Jordan's legacy
I'm a fan of Golden State's Stephen Curry for several reasons:
• He has a great work ethic.
• He's an underdog.
• He was unwanted out of high school.
• He plays with a chip on his shoulder.
• He is a champion.
• He doesn't blink at competition.
• He defines classy.
• And Michael Jordan doesn't intimidate him.
That last line is the one that gets me the most. Curry knows Jordan was the greatest ever, and he is going after Jordan's legacy and records. In a December interview with writer Matt Moore of cbs.com, Curry answered some questions related to MJ.
Moore: Is going down as the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) in your mind's eye, or do you just go in conceding that title due to the presence of one Michael Jordan?
Curry: It's a high mountain to climb, but I'm pretty motivated to take on the challenge. Whatever that means, however you got on that mountain, why not try to climb it? And do it in your own way.
In my mind, Curry was basically saying heck, yes, I'm going after MJ and all his records!
At 6-foot-3 inches, the 27-year-old Curry was considered too small for the game and was expected to perhaps become a guy who could come off the bench and be a spark plug.
The mouthpiece of basketball at ESPN, Seth Greenberg, was Virginia Tech's coach when Curry wanted to play there because of his dad. Dell Curry played there for four years before going onto a successful career in the NBA.
You can imagine my reaction when Steph was on my Fox Sports radio show and told us he was turned down by his dad's alma mater. It had to be a slap in his face and you can understand why he doesn't care for the school.
Some people might crumble after that, but it seemed to motivate Curry.
LeBron James was this generation's Jordan. Notice, I said, WAS. That's because it has changed to Curry, who always is ready for the ball.
LeBron was and still is a great talking point on sports radio, but only after we talk about Curry and the Warriors. LeBron is the bridesmaid to Curry now and it happened in the blink of an eye.
Of course, Curry still has to win six titles to compete with MJ. Can he? Well, if they win this year that's two with four more to go.
If they win four or five in a row, then Curry is in Jordan territory.
I can be objective about MJ, and say Curry is a better shooter than MJ. He's also quicker, a better dribbler and passer than Michael, but Jordan — well he's Jordan. He's a better rebounder, better defender, and a better closer.
Curry still has to win more titles, but if the Warriors can beat Jordan's 72-10 record with the Bulls, then Curry starts chipping away at an icon. And that's a start.
Program notes:
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• North's column appears each Tuesday and Friday in the Daily Herald, and his video commentary can be found Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at dailyherald.com. For more, visit northtonorth.com.