The debate over Stephen Curry’s legacy just took a dramatic turn, as First Take hosts JJ Redick and Stephen A. Smith were left in awe after reassessing the impact Curry has had on the game of basketball. In a conversation that sent shockwaves through the NBA world, both Redick and Smith admitted that Curry’s influence is even more profound—and dangerous—than previously thought.
The Game-Changer: Curry’s Legacy Redefined
For years, Curry has been celebrated as the greatest shooter in NBA history, a four-time champion, and the centerpiece of a Golden State Warriors dynasty. However, JJ Redick pointed out something that fans and analysts alike may have underestimated: the dangerous ripple effect Curry’s style of play has had on the entire NBA.
“He’s not just changing how the game is played—he’s altering the DNA of basketball itself,” Redick stated. “You look at how every team in the league now prioritizes the three-point shot. That’s because of Steph. He’s transformed the entire sport. And that’s a level of influence that goes beyond stats and accolades.”
Stephen A. Smith chimed in, acknowledging that while the three-point revolution was obvious, Curry’s true legacy is in how he forces teams to rethink their entire strategy. “We always knew Steph was special,” Smith said, “but now it’s clear—he’s changed the game forever in ways we’re only beginning to understand. He’s made every coach, every player, and every franchise adapt or get left behind.”
The “Gravity” Factor: Why Curry is More Dangerous Than We Thought
Redick emphasized the concept of Curry’s “gravity” on the court, a term often used to describe how defenders are magnetically pulled toward him, even when he’s off the ball. “You can’t measure what Curry does just by stats,” Redick explained. “It’s the way his mere presence alters the way the defense plays. You have to guard him 30, 40 feet from the basket. That opens up the floor for everyone else. And we’re talking about a skill set no one has ever replicated at this level.”
Stephen A. agreed, pointing out that this “gravity” is why Curry’s influence is so dangerous. “You look at how teams defend the Warriors when Steph is on the court. They don’t just focus on him when he has the ball—they’re terrified of him when he doesn’t. That’s power. That’s dominance in a way we’ve never seen before. It’s beyond shooting; it’s psychological.”
Curry’s “Invisible” Impact on the Next Generation
Both Redick and Smith were also stunned by Curry’s growing impact on future generations of players. Redick, a former sharp-shooter himself, praised Curry’s influence on younger athletes, noting that kids now aspire to shoot from deep range rather than dominate the paint.
“Curry made the impossible look normal,” Redick said. “High schoolers, college players, even kids in the park—they all want to shoot from 30 feet out. It’s incredible. But it also changes how players are being developed. The entire next generation is being shaped by Steph’s style of play.”
Stephen A. highlighted how this shift could be a double-edged sword for the game, making Curry’s legacy even more dangerous. “On one hand, you’ve got this generation of kids who believe they can shoot from anywhere, which is inspiring. But not everyone is Steph. And now you’re seeing the game move further and further from the basket, with some players who don’t have the skill set to back it up. That’s where his legacy gets complicated—it’s changing the game in ways we didn’t see coming.”
Championship Pedigree: Curry’s Legacy in the Record Books
As much as Curry’s shooting has transformed the game, his championship resume solidifies him as one of the all-time greats. Redick pointed out that Curry’s ability to win titles without the need for a traditional dominant big man makes his legacy even more dangerous. “Look at the teams Steph’s beaten, the dynasties he’s taken down. He’s done it with skill, intelligence, and sheer will. You don’t need a 7-footer to dominate anymore if you have Steph Curry on your team.”
Smith agreed, emphasizing that Curry’s four championships and two MVP awards—including the league’s only unanimous MVP—are more than just individual accolades. “We’re not just talking about a guy who can shoot. We’re talking about a winner. A guy who’s led his team to the top of the mountain, time and time again. That’s what makes his legacy more dangerous—he’s redefined what a championship team looks like.”
The Final Verdict: A Legacy for the Ages
By the end of the segment, both Redick and Stephen A. were in agreement—Stephen Curry’s legacy isn’t just about shooting or winning titles. It’s about how he has fundamentally reshaped the game of basketball, creating new possibilities for what can be done on the court while leaving a lasting, and sometimes unpredictable, mark on future generations.
“He’s more than a great player,” Smith concluded. “Steph Curry is a revolutionary. And that makes him the most dangerous force we’ve ever seen in basketball.”
