Kevin Love has openly recognized Stephen Curry as one of the most influential NBA players ever, praising the Golden State Warriors star for his revolutionary impact on the game throughout his 16-year career. Love, who spoke recently on the Dub Dynasty Podcast, acknowledged Curry’s place among basketball’s all-time greats despite their fierce rivalry.
Insights from the Dub Dynasty Podcast on Warriors’ Dominance
The Dub Dynasty Podcast, hosted by Israel Gutierrez, explores the origins and rise of the Warriors’ dynasty, featuring stories from notable basketball figures. Kevin Love’s appearance on the show provided a unique perspective, given his role on the Cleveland Cavaliers during the famed Finals clashes against Curry’s Warriors.
Respect Beyond Rivalry: Love’s Admiration for Curry’s Legacy
Despite competing directly against each other in four straight NBA Finals between 2015 and 2018, Love set aside past rivalry to commend Curry’s greatness. He described Curry as
“certainly the greatest point guard and greatest shooter”
of their generation and placed him on basketball’s Mount Rushmore of transformative figures.
In our generation, he’s certainly the greatest point guard and greatest shooter,
Love said.
For what Steph has done for the game and revolutionized the game, he’s certainly on that Mount Rushmore for guys that have changed it,
Love proclaimed.
I can’t say enough good things about him.
—Kevin Love, NBA Player
Career Achievements Underpinning Curry’s Legendary Status
Love pointed to Curry’s multiple accolades to support his praise, including his historic achievement as the NBA’s first-ever unanimous MVP during the 2015-16 season and his record-setting number of three-pointers made. His four NBA championships further cement Curry’s reputation as a winner and a legend of the sport.
Rivalry Reflections and Future Prospects
The Warriors’ dominance during those Finals series was partly at Cleveland’s expense, with Curry’s team claiming three titles in that span. Yet Love views this competitive history as secondary to Curry’s overall significance in the game. He ranks Curry among the top 10 players in NBA history and believes the 37-year-old guard still has potential to add to his storied career.
Looking Ahead: The Lasting Influence of Stephen Curry
Kevin Love’s admiration emphasizes Curry’s lasting influence on basketball’s evolution, marking him as an iconic figure who transformed the sport. As Curry continues into the later stages of his career, his achievements and style of play will likely inspire future generations and maintain his place among the greatest.