Mike James — yes that Mike James — threw some hate at Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry. Everyone’s gotta stay relevant.
James currently plays in the EuroLeague, so it’s fair to question how much room he has to judge. However, James’ critiques are pointed, rather than just your average, general hate.
By calling Curry one-dimensional, he also covers his ground by considering Steph one of the top best players of all-time. His issue, it would seem, is with Curry as a true point guard vs just a scorer. Golden State fans can only laugh.
“Steph, how he plays and how he gets stuff off, it’s just kinda one-dimensional at times,” James said, per the ‘Players Choice‘ podcast. “He’s not the primary ball-handler a lot, and for a point guard that kinda bothers me.”
Mike James: Steph Curry receives hate from around the NBA
James is hardly the first to pile on Curry throughout his NBA career for his newfound play-style. It’s unfamiliar to many in the game today, but they still respect it to a certain extent.
The former NBA’er doesn’t think Steph is a top-5 player in the game today, despite his status as top-10 all-time (huh?). Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic all rank above Curry, in his eyes.
“I think those other five can do whatever they want to do on any team in the world right now,” James said. “I just don’t know about that for Steph. It’s a little murky for Steph… If you put him in Minnesota, he would still kill, but I don’t know if it would be the same.”
James does understand that he’s in the minority with his opinion, and for good reason. Curry is fresh off his latest NBA title and Finals MVP award. There could be even more accolades to come, now that Steph has more bulletin-board material.