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When people talk about the greatest point guard of all time, the name that pops up first is usually Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson. The 6-foot-9 floor general not only changed the game of basketball, but he also gets credit for saving the NBA. While Magic deserves all of the praise, Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry is giving him a run for his money and then some.
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Let's look at three reasons why Curry has impacted the game more than Magic.
Stephen Curry > Magic Johnson
The Style Of Play
Both Magic Johnson and Stephen Curry drastically changed the game on the court. Magic and his Lakers earned the “Showtime” moniker because of their flashy style of play. Magic would often grab a rebound and explode down the court to drop a no-look dime to either James Worthy or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to make the crowd go wild.
This style of play is something that helped evolve the game of basketball. In the 1990s, things slowed back down and centers were still the focal point of offenses. Now when you look at today's game, many teams have adopted the Showtime style. Curry's Warriors and LeBron James' Miami Heat are two teams that brought it back.
The only difference is Curry didn't just adopt it, he added his own twist. His 3-point shot changed the game into something never seen before, and it changed the game forever. This wasn't just a change for the NBA; the entire world is trying to duplicate Curry's style.
When you attend AAU or high school games, you witness kids shooting the ball from way behind the 3-point line with extreme confidence. These are shots coaches would previously bench players for, but now these are shots coaches work with players on in practice.
The NBA has never seen the style of play around the world change this fast, and it's because of Curry.
Social Media
When it comes to these two icons' influence on the game of basketball, we have to be honest: Stephen Curry has an unfair advantage, but it's still an advantage that has helped him impact the game. The internet and social media weren't a thing back when Magic Johnson played, but he still was a huge superstar.
Even to this day, there isn't a basketball fan who doesn't know Magic's name. On Instagram, he has a following of 2.7 million and on Twitter, he has 5.1 million. Then there's Curry, whose entire career was surrounded and supported by social media. He has an Instagram following of 40.1 million and Twitter following of 15.8 million.
Curry's massive following is a key component in boosting his impact on the game. Videos of him working out surface weekly and go viral. There's footage of him making shots from half court and knocking down 100 consecutive 3-pointers. Sometimes, it's just a video of Curry interacting with a young fan that makes people love him even more.
Social media has made it easier for a star like Curry to impact basketball more than a natural star like Johnson.
Appearance
The two living legends have a unique look that goes with their status. Both players have a huge friendly smile they carry on and off the court. It makes them the perfect fit for TV and advertising. This is something Magic Johnson specializes in. It's showtime whenever Johnson steps in a room. His gift of gab can grab anybody's attention paired with standing at 6-foot-9.
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry is not exactly the talker that Johnson is, but when people meet him, they notice something different. Kids and teens look at him and think they can be him. Standing at 6-foot-3, he's showing fans you don't have to be a giant to dominate at the highest level.
All three of his championships have been won against LeBron, who is arguably the greatest player ever. He is one of the most physically intimidating players to step on the hardwood. Curry, aka The Baby-Faced Assassin, has gotten the best of The King on the biggest stage. That gives players shorter than him an extraordinary amount of confidence.
Now you have guys like Damian Lillard, Trae Young, Ja Morant, and more who have no fear when going up against the bigger competition. The mentality everyone has is this: If Steph Curry can do it, why can't I? The idea is correct, but it's easier said than done. It's a goal that seems achievable enough for everyone to try and copy. One day somebody will surpass him, but it certainly hasn't happened yet.
Magic Johnson's impact on the game will last forever, and he will always be one of the greatest players ever to play. When it comes to Stephen Curry, he's the same animal but a different beast, and his impact on the game is now bigger than the great Earvin Magic Johnson.
