In the ever-evolving narrative of the NBA, few players have managed to redefine the boundaries and essence of the game quite like Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry. The sharpshooter’s profound influence on basketball has sparked debates and conversations, leading to recognition from peers, analysts, and legends alike.

Among those acknowledging Curry’s seismic impact is Hall of Fame forward Paul Pierce, who recently highlighted Curry’s transformative role in the league.

During an appearance on “Undisputed,” Pierce offered a bold take, placing Curry’s influence above that of LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and even Kobe Bryant. “I watched the Celtics game last night…The first 10 shots were three-pointers.

Everybody thinks they can be Steph,” Pierce remarked, encapsulating Curry’s effect on playing styles across the NBA. This shift towards a three-point-centric game underlines a significant change in strategy, largely inspired by Curry’s prowess from beyond the arc.

Paul Pierce’s observations are not made in isolation. LeBron James himself, during a session on the “Mind the Game Pod,” cited Curry alongside Allen Iverson as two of the most influential figures in the game. James emphasized their indelible mark on how basketball is played and viewed, particularly noting their appeal and impact on younger generations of fans and aspiring players.

The statistics bear out the Curry effect. In the season before Curry’s first MVP accolade, NBA teams averaged 21.5 three-point attempts per game. Fast forward to the 2023-24 season, and that number has escalated to an average of 35.0 attempts from long range each game, as per Basketball Reference. This stark increase is a testament to the league’s strategic pivot towards three-point shooting, a trend Curry has both embodied and propelled.

While LeBron James and Michael Jordan are often heralded as the greatest to have ever graced the hardwood, the argument for Curry’s influence is rooted in the tangible shift in how the game is played at both the amateur and professional levels. It’s not merely about individual accolades or championship rings; it’s about altering the fabric of basketball, making the three-pointer not just a weapon but a cornerstone of modern play.

As the NBA continues to evolve, the legacy of Stephen Curry will undoubtedly be marked by this shift in playstyle. From playgrounds to professional arenas, the aspiration to emulate Curry’s shooting range and accuracy signifies a broader transformation in basketball, inspired by one of the game’s most revolutionary talents.