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“Steph Curry is not a top 5 point guard”: Gilbert Arenas makes a shocking claim about the Warriors superstar as he says Curry doesn’t play the proto-typical ‘point guard’ role

Samir Mehdi
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“Steph Curry is not a top 5 point guard”: Gilbert Arenas makes a shocking claim about the Warriors superstar as he says Curry doesn’t play the proto-typical ‘point guard’ role

Gilbert Arenas says Steph Curry isn’t a top 5 point guard in NBA history because he cannot classify the Warriors star as a ‘point guard’. 

The definition of what a point guard is in the NBA today has changed dramatically over the past 8 years or so. With the emergence of Steph Curry as perhaps the greatest shooter in NBA history, fans and analysts alike have debated on whether or not he can even be classified as a point guard, a position he entered the league as. 

Traditional point guards are ones who orchestrate half court offenses while try to get the ball out of their own hands as quickly and efficiently as possible. Guys like John Stockton, Magic Johnson, Chris Pual, amongst others, embody this role to perfection.  

However, as time has gone on, guys like Steph Curry and Russell Westbrook have burst onto the scene to wreak havoc in the ‘non-traditional’ point guard way.

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Instead of Curry looking for a roll man every other possession or constantly looking for lob threats on his team, his own teammates set a bevy of high screens, low screens, flare screens, etc., to get him open for shots as the Warriors function off of him being a threat to shoot. 

Gilbert Arenas on Steph Curry not being a top 5 point guard. 

Gilbert Arenas, not only said that he doesn’t believe Steph Curry is the best player in the world right now, but claimed that he wasn’t a top 5 point in league history because he doesn’t fall under the proto-typical definition of what a PG is supposed to be. 

“Steph to me, wasn’t a top 5 point guard. There’s a difference between ‘point’ guard and guard. It’s unfair to the definition of what we think are point guards. His title is point guard but when you say, ‘alright Magic, John Stockton, Mark Jackson,’ those types of ‘point’ guards; throwing Steph in that category…*laughs*” 

Also read: “LeBron James thinks the NBA is out to get him, the face of the league?”: Skip Bayless irrationally goes off on the Lakers star for his cryptic tweet

The thing about definitions is that they change over a duration of time when need be. With guys like Steph Curry, Russel Westbrook, Damian Lillard, Trae Young, Ja Morant, and so on dominating in the league while being listed as ‘point guards’, it’s time we normalize comparing them to PGs of the old.

About the author

Samir Mehdi

Samir Mehdi

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Samir Mehdi is a senior strategist for the NBA division at The Sportsrush. Ever since he was 13 years old, he’s been obsessed with the game of basketball. From watching Kobe Bryant’s highlights on YouTube to now, analyzing and breaking down every single game on League Pass, Samir’s passion for the game is unwavering. He's a complete basketball junkie who not only breaks down current games but also keenly watches ones from the 60s’ and 70s’ while also reading comprehensive books on the history of the league. Samir’s life revolves around basketball and he hopes that shows in his work. Aside from work, he loves to spend time in the gym and with his friends at social gatherings.

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