Isiah Thomas Clarifies Comments on Steph Curry and Defends His Legacy as a Small Guards

Throughout NBA history, Steph Curry has established himself as one of the few small guards capable of being the top player on a championship team. However, another legendary small guard, Isiah Thomas, recently stepped forward to assert his unique place in basketball history. In response to a social media post about guards 6-foot-3 and under leading their teams to titles, Thomas emphasized a distinctive achievement: being the only small guard to lead his team in both points and assists while securing back-to-back championships.

Thomas’s comments sparked a wave of reactions online, with some fans interpreting his statements as a slight against Curry. However, Thomas quickly clarified his position, asserting that his intent was not to belittle Curry but to highlight a factual distinction from his own career.

“I never said I was better; that’s your interpretation and opinion,” Thomas tweeted. “I stated the hardcore fact of being the only small PG to win back-to-back while leading in scoring and assists, @NBAHistory. We both won and won differently in our era. You can push that!”

Thomas’s career with the Detroit Pistons is legendary. Drafted second overall in 1981, he became the cornerstone of the “Bad Boys” Pistons, leading them to NBA championships in 1989 and 1990. Known for his tenacity and leadership, Thomas was a 12-time All-Star, one-time Finals MVP, and led the league in assists in 1985. He retired in 1994 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000.

Comparing the careers of Curry and Thomas offers an intriguing look at two of the most influential point guards in NBA history. Curry, a transformative figure in modern basketball, has spent his entire career with the Golden State Warriors. His accolades include two MVP awards, four NBA championships, a Finals MVP, and two scoring titles. He has been an All-Star 10 times and has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the game with his unparalleled shooting ability.

Statistically, Curry’s career numbers are impressive. As of now, he has played fewer regular-season games than Thomas but has logged more playoff appearances. In the regular season, Curry averages 24.6 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game. In the playoffs, his averages are slightly higher at 26.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game. His shooting percentages, especially from three-point range, set him apart from any other player in NBA history.

Thomas, on the other hand, ended his career with averages of 19.2 points, 9.3 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game in the regular season, and 20.4 points, 8.9 assists, and 3.5 rebounds in the playoffs. While Curry has a higher scoring average, Thomas’s playmaking abilities and leadership during his era were crucial to the Pistons’ success.

Both players, despite their differences, broke the mold as small guards in a league historically dominated by larger players. Thomas’s leadership and toughness defined the Pistons’ gritty style of play in the late 1980s and early 1990s, while Curry’s shooting and offensive prowess have reshaped the modern game, emphasizing pace, space, and three-point shooting.

The recent dialogue between fans and Thomas about his legacy and Curry’s place in history highlights the evolving nature of basketball and the diverse paths to greatness. While Curry’s Warriors are known for their revolutionary offensive style, Thomas’s Pistons are remembered for their defensive intensity and resilience.

In reflecting on this discourse, it’s clear that both Curry and Thomas have left indelible marks on the NBA. Each player’s achievements should be celebrated in their own right, as both have contributed significantly to the evolution of the game.

As the debate continues among fans, the mutual respect between Thomas and Curry underscores a broader appreciation for the diverse ways greatness can manifest in the NBA. Whether through Thomas’s all-around leadership and clutch performances or Curry’s unmatched shooting and offensive innovation, both players exemplify the extraordinary impact that smaller guards can have on the game.