Stephen Curry Gets a Pass While LeBron James, Kevin Durant & Others Get Scrutinized, Claims Gilbert Arenas

Gilbert Arenas stated that Stephen Curry is the only superstar who can form a superteam and not be accused of "ring chasing".

Stephen Curry Gets a Pass While LeBron James, Kevin Durant & Others Get Scrutinized, Claims Gilbert Arenas

Gilbert Arenas and Stephen Curry (Image credits - MARCA and Yahoo Sports)

It has been 17 years since Stephen Curry entered the NBA. Drafted by the Golden State Warriors as the number seven pick in the 2009 NBA draft, Curry has changed the game of basketball forever with his three-point shooting prowess.

During his career with the Warriors, he has been the face of the franchise and has transformed them both on and off the court. He was the centerpiece of the organization during their dynasty run from 2015 to 2019.

Due to his small stature compared to his contemporaries, Curry is often seen as one of the most relatable players in the league. His clean family image and on-court accolades have made him one of the most beloved figures in the NBA over the past decade.

On the Gil’s Arena podcast, former NBA star Gilbert Arenas claimed Curry is the only superstar who could move to another team in search of championships without receiving any criticism.

He’s the only player right now that if he wanted to leave and jump ship, I don’t think anybody says anything about him. If he decides to go and team up with Jokic, no one’s gonna say anything. He is normal to everyone else. Relatable. He’s a normal looking guy that’s won four championships and has done something no one has ever done.

Gilbert Arenas on Gil’s Arena

Gilbert Arenas is well known for his bold and wild takes. He has been critical of Curry’s legacy and greatness in the past, but he has changed his stance on the Warriors guard in recent years.

Curry has spent his entire career with the Dubs. Meanwhile, the likes of LeBron James and Kevin Durant have often been criticized for changing teams in order to win championships.

Hence, Arenas called out the media’s hypocrisy for not holding Curry to the same standard. However, the four-time champion reiterated that he would love to end his career and is not interested in leaving Golden State.

RELATED
Jalen Duren Declines Pistons’ $200 Million Offer, Stuns Fans – “Who Is Advising Him to Do This Stuff?”

DeMarcus Cousins on Stephen Curry being held to a different standard

There is no doubt that Stephen Curry has been the most marketable star in the NBA over the last 10 years after LeBron James. Many have lauded Curry’s decision to stay with the Warriors despite their poor recent performances.

James’ recent move to the Philadelphia 76ers received criticism from some. Similarly, even Durant’s move to the Houston Rockets last year saw many label him as a “ring chaser” as he looks to win his first championship outside of Golden State.

After Arenas’ opinion on Curry being exempt from criticism, DeMarcus Cousins revealed that James, Durant, and Kawhi Leonard are held to a different standard compared to Curry.

The way we hold guys to standards initially as far as the LeBrons, the Kevin Durants, the Kawhis, whoever, the moment they have an early exit in the playoffs or miss the playoffs, we hop on them. Steph can do no wrong. If he wins one or loses one, its the same.

DeMarcus Cousins on Gil’s Arena

While it is true that Curry doesn’t face the same scrutiny as the others mentioned, it is also true that he didn’t enter the league with the same expectations as someone like James. For everything he has achieved in his career, there is no doubt that Curry has far exceeded expectations and usually does not receive the same level of criticism as others.

Steph Curry will not win another championship with the Warriors

The Warriors were heavily criticized for being very passive in the offseason. They put all their eggs in one basket when they tried to pursue James in the summer. In the end, it failed as the King ended up signing for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry (Image credits – Al Jazeera)

Heading into the 2026-27 campaign, the Warriors are far from championship contenders. Cousins, who played for the Warriors for one season, believes that the Warriors have failed their youngsters, which is why they are no longer in position to carry Stephen Curry to another title.

We’ve seen time and time again how much young talent has gone through Golden State, and nobody has developed. Developing young talent and keeping it going, if that wasn’t an issue, then I’d be confident enough to say that Steph has a chance at winning another ring. At this point in Steph’s career, he’ll be 39 years old, you need that young talent.

DeMarcus Cousins on Gil’s Arena

Since lifting the championship in 2022, the Warriors have struggled to make a deep postseason run. They missed the playoffs in two of their last three seasons, including 2025-26. It remains to be seen whether the Warriors will make any big moves at the trade deadline next year, but for now, they are a Play-In team at best in a stacked Western Conference.

Also Read: