Everyone thinks that Stephen Curry is a point guard (PG). With a height that is not too impressive, who often dribbles the ball across the field and is always classified as a PG by television makers, the above assessment has enough basis.

But in the era of high-paced basketball and less and less division of positions when playing, is Stephen Curry really a PG? The answer is no if someone asks NBA legend Gary Payton.

As one of the most famous PGs in NBA history, Gary Payton had 13 successful seasons with the Seattle Supersonics with a total of 9 All-Star appearances and 9 All-NBA first team selections. With his comprehensive offensive and defensive abilities and especially his extremely excellent defensive playing style, he was nicknamed “The Glove”.

Legendary Gary Payton faced Michael Jordan in the 1990s

Having had a lot of success as a PG, perhaps Gary Payton clearly understands what is needed in this position. He also has a very broad and diverse perspective on today’s NBA, where the pace is pushed up very high and playing position is no longer important.

With “The Glove”, Stephen Curry is no longer a PG and in the NBA there are only 2 true ball defenders left:

“If someone asks me who is the best ball-dribbling defender, it’s a pretty difficult question for players of the previous generation like me. Look at Stephen Curry, people call him a defender. But Stephen is not a PG, he’s like a point guard.

Or you look at Russell Westbrook, that’s not a PG. He’s also a player in the No. 2 position. So is James Harden.”

For me, there are only 2 real ball defenders left in the NBA today. Those are Rajon Rondo and Chris Paul,” legend Gary Payton confirmed.

Stephen Curry and Chris Paul shook hands during a recent match

“Chris Paul may have gradually transformed into a SG, but Rondo is still a true PG. He is always scanning the front court to find space, always looking for ways for his teammates to score points and become better. No It’s like, ‘Let me score 30 points. Let me shoot the basket first, then pass.’ Rondo doesn’t do that.

If we list the names playing in the PG position today, many of them are not real PGs,” Gary Payton added.

Perhaps Mr. Gary Payton’s assessment is not wrong and maybe it is not completely correct. But he made an argument that today’s defenders like Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook or James Harden often prioritize scoring points rather than holding the ball or creating assists for teammates.

While the Golden State Warriors superstar is not a true PG in the eyes of the legends of the previous generation, there is no need to discuss a future where Stephen Curry is included in the legendary pantheon as one. One of the greatest point-scoring defenders in history.