Kendrick Perkins on Steph Curry’s Legacy: “One Championship and One Finals MVP Away from Ending the GOAT Debate”

Former NBA player and current analyst Kendrick Perkins recently shared his thoughts on Stephen Curry’s legacy, suggesting that the Golden State Warriors’ superstar is just one more championship and one Finals MVP away from silencing any remaining doubts about his place in NBA history. According to Perkins, this final achievement would firmly establish Curry as one of the greatest players of all time and potentially end the ongoing debate over who truly deserves the title of “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT).

Curry, who has already revolutionized the game of basketball with his shooting ability, has left an indelible mark on the NBA. With four championships and two MVP awards under his belt, he has altered the way teams approach the game, especially with the emphasis on three-point shooting. However, despite his numerous accolades, many critics continue to compare him to legends like Michael Jordan and LeBron James. The “GOAT debate” often centers around their accomplishments, and while Curry is undoubtedly a modern-day great, some still argue he needs more hardware to solidify his case as the greatest.

Perkins, who won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008, argues that Curry’s current resume, while impressive, is still not enough to fully separate him from the likes of Jordan and LeBron. In Perkins’ view, a fifth championship, paired with a Finals MVP (which Curry has yet to win despite his dominance), would be the final stamp of approval needed for Curry’s legacy to surpass the two former players. The argument here is not only about statistics but also about the significance of winning Finals MVP, an honor that could further cement Curry’s position as the heart and soul of his championship teams.

Curry has already been instrumental in the Warriors’ dynastic run over the past decade, playing a central role in their four titles. However, critics often point to the fact that he has never won a Finals MVP, with Andre Iguodala and Kevin Durant earning that distinction in the respective years the Warriors won championships with them. Some believe that this lack of a Finals MVP has been a slight against Curry’s greatness, leaving room for debate about whether he is truly the best player on his team during championship runs.

While Curry’s legacy is already secured in the eyes of many, Perkins’ statement serves as a reminder that one more championship and a Finals MVP would not only complete his legacy but could potentially end the GOAT debate once and for all. In the end, the debate will likely continue, but with each additional accomplishment, Curry’s case for being the greatest player of all time becomes increasingly hard to ignore.