The talent level in the NBA today is through the roof. Various superstars are in full swing like Joel Embiid's elbows. But when it comes to a key statistic, it is Golden State Warriors main man Stephen Curry who's head and shoulders above the rest.
According to a report by NBC Sports Bay Area, Curry is the undisputed leader in ESPN's Real Plus-Minus (RPM), which is “measured in net point differential per 100 offensive and defensive possessions.” The RPM also includes teammates' numbers, opponents, and other pertinent factors.
Article Continues BelowOutside of the 2019-20 season in which Curry was limited to five games by injuries and the coronavirus suspension of the season, he has led the NBA in RPM in every season since 2012-13.
This season, Curry averaged a 7.08 RPM, increasing his figure from the previous campaign, which was obviously marred by his wrist injury. He bested LeBron James, who had a 6.73 for second place, Rudy Gobert, Paul George, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Also finishing in the top 10 were Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, James Harden, Damian Lillard, and a bit surprisingly, Lonzo Ball.
While the RPM may be a bit too, um, nerdy, the fact remains: Curry's value to the Warriors is unparalleled. There were many instances this season when he singlehandedly led his team to victory. While some have written him off, the 33-year-old flamethrower churned out an MVP campaign, winning the scoring title with a career-high 32.0 points per outing.
LeBron James actually picked Stephen Curry as this season's MVP. Because as the age-old philosophical saying goes: Real recognize real.