Arenas downplays Steph’s greatness with strange Iverson comparison originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Steph Curry has frequently drawn comparisons to Hall of Famer Allen Iverson, but one pundit is making a great use of the Philadelphia 76ers to discredit the two-time NBA MVP.
Three-time NBA guard Gilbert Arenas reasoned that Curry doesn’t get the same defensive attention as Iverson during a heated debate on his “GilsArenaShow” podcast.
“He himself [Iverson] claimed all five people,” Arenas announced.
Arenas’ bold statement quickly drew resistance from former NBA guard Brandon Jennings, who explained how difficult Curry is to guard.
“Every time Steph gets past half the court, he demands everyone’s attention,” Jennings fired back. “You don’t just let Steph Curry walk down half the court with the ball, you’re going to have to guard him. It’s five guys watching one guy.”
Arenas then doubled down on his stance, claiming that fellow Splash Brother Klay Thompson would have averaged 30 points per game if he had played with Iverson instead of Curry.
“Steph wasn’t as fast as Allen Iverson,” Arenas replied. “You can switch to him and he’ll try to beat you. Allen Iverson, you should double or triple the team. If he was there, we wouldn’t give a fuck who you were. You’re There, cool. We’re there [Thompson] was with Allen Iverson, he averaged 30.”
“[Allen Iverson] all five of them asked [players]… [Steph Curry] has never had a four-way team… As Klay [Thompson] was with [Iverson]he would average 30.
Gilbert Arenas on the difference between Steph and AI 🤔
(through @GilsArenaShow)pic.twitter.com/GYxxwKCB2h
— Link Points (@Link Points) June 5, 2024
While Arenas staunchly defended his bold claim, there is ample evidence to suggest that Curry is given the full focus of an opponent’s game plan, with the 10-time All-NBA guard regularly praised for the “gravity” he possesses and those opportunities opens. for his teammates.
Curry has changed the game not only with his unprecedented shooting, but also through the fear that his unlimited range inspires opposing defenses with his ability to drain shots from previously unheard of distances.
While Arenas is certainly entitled to his own opinion, there is plenty of evidence that quickly refutes his claims that Curry has not seen the same level of defensive attention as Iverson. This isn’t the first time Arenas has downplayed Curry’s greatness either, after recently claiming the four-time NBA champion isn’t a “generational talent.”
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