Charles Barkley MOCKS Stephen Curry’s physicality, claims Warriors superstar will “break” in the 90s

Stephen Curry's physical resilience questioned by NBA legend Charles Barkley.

Charles Barkley MOCKS Stephen Curry’s physicality, claims Warriors superstar will “break” in the 90s

Charles Barkley and Stephen Curry (image via Twitter)

On The Bill Simmons Podcast, NBA legend Charles Barkley questioned if Stephen Curry could handle the 1980s “Bad Boys” Detroit Pistons‘ aggressive style despite recognizing Curry’s modern-day prowess and impact.

“As much as I love Steph Curry,” Barkley said. “If you think he could take those blows from John Salley, Dennis Rodman, and Bill Laimbeer, body checks they laid on legends like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Do you really think Steph Curry wouldn’t break?”

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It’s important to note that Curry had a leaner physique when he initially entered the league, although he is now stronger and more in shape. He had a lot of trouble with injuries early in his career, especially with his ankles. Barkley’s argument is based on the idea that the Pistons, known for their brutal playing style, would mainly target these weaknesses.

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However, Barkley clarified that he wasn’t undermining Curry’s skillset or ability. Instead, he emphasized that the playing conditions and rules of the previous era might have presented more significant challenges to Curry’s health and longevity in the league.

Related: Charles Barkley FIRES SHOTS at Kevin Durant, claims Suns superstar is ‘too sensitive’

Isiah Thomas’s perspective on Stephen Curry’s scoring

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Stephen Curry (image viaTwitter)

Isiah Thomas, another legendary figure from the “Bad Boys” period, offered his opinions, particularly on Curry’s scoring ability in the 1980s. Stephen A. Smith, a sports analyst, claims that Thomas expressed his belief that Curry’s scoring average would have been far lower in his era.

Compared to Curry’s career average of 24.6 points, Thomas allegedly told Smith that Curry wouldn’t average more than 18 points during the Pistons’ prime. This argument is based on the era’s acceptance of more physical play, which Thomas argues will limit Curry’s flexibility and mobility on the court and restrict his scoring skills.

There’s no denying Curry’s transformative impact on the NBA, but it’s intriguing how basketball legends from different eras would have adapted to different playing conditions.

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