Tracy McGrady and Alexis Ohanian  Over Steph Curry’s All-Time Ranking

Earlier this week, NBA Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady sparked a heated debate by stating that he doesn’t consider Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry to be a top 10 player of all time. McGrady’s remarks drew a swift and pointed response from Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and husband of tennis legend Serena Williams.

Ohanian took to Instagram to voice his disagreement, posting a photo of highly valued Steph Curry trading cards. The caption addressed McGrady’s claim, underscoring Curry’s transformative impact on the game of basketball.

“Blasphemy @stephencurry30 changed the game,” Ohanian wrote in his Instagram story, making a compelling case for Curry’s inclusion in the top 10 players list.

The controversy began when Tracy McGrady shared his thoughts on Steph Curry’s place among the all-time ranking greats. In a social media clip, McGrady explained why he struggles to rank Curry within his top 10. Despite acknowledging Curry’s success, McGrady pointed to the Golden State Warriors‘ performance in recent years as a key factor.

“To me, if you’re that great, if you’re going to be in the top five and one of your guys is missing and you can’t make the playoffs, I can’t put you in the top five or top 10,” McGrady stated. “I just can’t.”

McGrady highlighted the Warriors’ struggles without key players like Draymond Green or Klay Thompson. He emphasized that Curry’s inability to lead the team to the playoffs during these periods diminishes his standing among the all-time ranking greats.

McGrady focused on the Warriors’ trajectory since their final loss in 2019. Although they clinched a championship in 2022, the team failed to make the playoffs in three of the past five seasons. This inconsistency, according to McGrady, reflects on Curry’s legacy.

This season, the Warriors faced significant challenges. Draymond Green missed extended time due to suspensions, contributing to a dip in the standings. Despite Curry’s impressive individual performance, averaging 26.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, the team only managed to make the play-in tournament, where they were eliminated by the Sacramento Kings.

Alexis Ohanian, a successful entrepreneur and prominent figure in the tech world, quickly came to Curry’s defense. Ohanian’s Instagram story not only showcased his collection of valuable Curry cards but also served as a rebuttal to McGrady’s claims.

By emphasizing Curry’s transformative impact on basketball, Ohanian highlighted how Curry revolutionized the game with his exceptional shooting and style of play. Curry’s influence extends beyond statistics, shaping how modern basketball is played and appreciated.

This exchange between McGrady and Ohanian underscores the subjective nature of ranking athletes across different eras. While McGrady’s criteria focus on team performance and playoff success, Ohanian’s defense centers on Curry’s broader impact on the sport.

Tracy McGrady’s critique of Steph Curry ignites a complex discussion about how greatness is measured in sports. McGrady’s emphasis on team achievements and playoff consistency raises valid points about the importance of elevating one’s team in critical moments. However, Alexis Ohanian’s response highlights a crucial aspect of Curry’s legacy—his revolutionary influence on basketball.

Steph Curry’s contributions extend beyond traditional metrics of success. His unparalleled shooting ability and the way he has transformed the game should not be overlooked. Curry’s impact is evident in how young players model their game after him, the strategic adjustments teams have made to counter his style, and the overall evolution of basketball.

The debate also reflects the broader challenge of comparing athletes from different eras, each with its own unique context and competitive landscape. While McGrady’s perspective offers a critical lens on playoff performance, Ohanian’s viewpoint reminds us of the importance of innovation and cultural impact in assessing an athlete’s legacy.

As the conversation around Steph Curry’s place in basketball history continues, it is clear that his influence on the game will be felt for generations to come. Regardless of rankings, Curry’s legacy as a transformative figure in basketball is undeniable.