More influential than Stephen Curry? Celtics champ drops hot take on most influential NBA star

Paul Pierce believes 'this' star's shot-creation style has impacted the NBA more than Stephen Curry’s deep shooting.

More influential than Stephen Curry? Celtics champ drops hot take on most influential NBA star

Stephen Curry and James Harden

It is a well established fact that Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors is widely acknowledged for his role in transforming the NBA with his extraordinary three-point shooting. His ability to consistently score from deep has shifted the three-pointer from being a strategic option to a main offensive weapon for teams across the league and the sports in general.

However, Boston Celtics Hall of Famer Paul Pierce in a recent episode of “The Truth Lounge,” argued that Los Angeles Clippers’ James Harden has had a more significant influence on today’s playing style. According to Pierce, if one closely observes current NBA players, it is Harden’s style and not Curry’s that they seem to emulate.

YouTube video

Everybody talks about (how), ‘Curry (is) the reason we play.’ I think a lot of the reason we play like this is James Harden. Everybody’s shooting step-back 3s, everybody’s going into their bag and getting to their 3. That’s James Harden. That’s not Curry.

Paul Pierce on The Truth Lounge

Furthermore, Pierce suggested that Harden’s shot-creation tactics, specifically his ability to manufacture scoring opportunities one-on-one, have left a lasting impact on the league. He also pointed out that more players are adopting Harden’s signature moves, like the step-back three-pointer, rather than imitating Curry’s long-range shooting.

FS Video

Despite his current stance, Pierce’s views on Curry’s impact have varied over time. Previously, he had praised “The Baby Faced Assassin” as more influential than even LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan.

Regardless, whatever side of the debate fans find themselves there’s no doubt that Curry’s impact in the three point revolution has been the most effective. And the trend has heavily influenced modern basketball, as teams now prioritize three-point shooting, with many squads averaging over 40 attempts per game.

RELATED
Amidst viewership crisis, Adam Silver advised to make ‘fighting’ legal in NBA
NBA commissioner Adam Silver needs to bring excitement back into the league

Paul Pierce previously claimed Stephen Curry’s impact on NBA surpasses LeBron James and Michael Jordan

Paul Pierce seem to have contradicted himself when in the past he made a bold statement on Undisputed in favor of Stephen Curry. He argued that Curry had a greater influence on the NBA than LeBron James and Michael Jordan.

(Steph Curry’s) influence on the game has been greater than (LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant)… I watched the Celtics game last night…The first 10 shots were three-pointers. Everybody think they can be Steph.

Paul Pierce on Undisputed

Curry’s impact on the league is mind-blowing such that prior to his first MVP season, teams averaged 21.5 three-point attempts per game. Now fast-forward to the 2023-24 season, that number had skyrocketed to 35.0 attempts per game.

RELATED
Angel Reese ‘suffering from success’ as lucky charm as undefeated attendance streak continues
Chicago Sky Angel Reese

The Celtics legend acknowledged James and Jordan as arguably the greatest players in NBA history but also emphasized Curry’s profound influence on the current generation. Now, coming to say The Beard is more influential has left a lot of fans confused as to whether he knows what he is saying at all.