Iman Shumpert, former guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers and 2016 NBA champion, recently sparked debate by ranking LeBron James, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Stephen Curry in a classic “start, bench, cut” challenge. This surprising decision included choosing Gilgeous-Alexander over Curry, a move that caught many fans off guard given Shumpert’s past championship experience alongside James.

Shumpert shared his ranking during an appearance on ESPN’s NBA Today, where he was asked to evaluate the three players based on their peak seasons: James in 2016, Curry in 2015, and Gilgeous-Alexander in 2025. Each of these seasons marked significant milestones for the athletes, reflecting their prime contributions to the game.

Reasons Behind Shumpert’s Rankings Among Basketball’s Elite

Having played alongside LeBron James during Cleveland’s historic 2016 title run and having faced Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors throughout their dominant era, Shumpert brings a unique perspective to the comparison. On the other hand, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recently emerged as an elite force, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to an NBA championship in 2025 while securing both the regular season MVP and Finals MVP awards.

When Shumpert was asked which player to start in a lineup, he said without hesitation,

“We starting Bron, I ain’t gonna lie,”

—Iman Shumpert.

He then placed Gilgeous-Alexander on the bench, adding,

“Shai, you gonna come off the bench, but we love you though. You know what I’m saying. Steph, you beat me that year. You cut.”

—Iman Shumpert.

This ranking demonstrates Shumpert’s admiration for James’ all-around dominance in 2016, where LeBron excelled as a floor general, orchestrating Cleveland’s offense while anchoring their defense. His near triple-double average in the Finals and memorable moments such as the famous block on Andre Iguodala in Game 7 showcase LeBron’s impact.

While Curry revolutionized the game in 2015 with his exceptional shooting and off-ball movement, creating a dynasty with teammates like Draymond Green and Klay Thompson, Gilgeous-Alexander’s 2025 campaign has been equally impressive. He combined elite scoring accuracy, skillful playmaking, and staunch defense, becoming the cornerstone of Oklahoma City’s recent success.

Looking solely at honors, Gilgeous-Alexander’s season stands out as he secured both MVP and Finals MVP titles, whereas James and Curry each earned one of those honors during their respective peak seasons. Gilgeous-Alexander also won the scoring title, joining legends such as Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Shaquille O’Neal in accomplishing this rare achievement.

Shumpert’s Continued Reluctance to Elevate Stephen Curry Among All-Time Greats

Shumpert’s latest remarks add to his earlier skepticism about placing Stephen Curry alongside Michael Jordan and LeBron James in the greatest of all time (GOAT) discussion. In November 2024, on The Big Podcast hosted by Shaquille O’Neal, Shumpert clarified his mixed feelings towards Curry’s historic standing, saying, “Technically, yes. Personally, no.”

His perspective stems from firsthand experience guarding some of the NBA’s toughest players during high-pressure moments. Shumpert recounted his defensive matchup against Paul Pierce, emphasizing Pierce’s clutch threat late in games.

“I hated guarding Paul Pierce at the end of the game,”

—Iman Shumpert.

“Even though I got stops on him. The first round, we end up beating him to go to the second round my second year, and I was so hyped about it.”

—Iman Shumpert.

He further explained the challenge Pierce posed, saying,

“I’m like, bro, I’ve watched him at the end of the games, I’ve guarded him at the end of the game, it ain’t, I’m doing, I’m not helping the situation. He’s just dangerous,”

—Iman Shumpert.

Shumpert compared this to defending Curry, noting the Warriors star’s difficulties due to off-ball movement and frequent screens, but stating that containment is possible if defensive switches happen quickly and Curry is denied easy touches.

The Lasting Effects of Shumpert’s Ranking and What They Mean for NBA Conversations

Shumpert’s ranking underscores ongoing debates about how fans and players evaluate greatness in the NBA. His choice to prioritize James and Gilgeous-Alexander over Curry invites fresh discussion on metrics like peak performance, impact on team success, and individual accolades. As Gilgeous-Alexander continues to ascend, his inclusion in conversations alongside all-time greats like LeBron James and Stephen Curry may grow stronger.

This latest perspective from Shumpert highlights the complex, often subjective nature of comparing players from different eras and styles. Fans and analysts alike will be watching how these debates evolve as new stars rise and the legacies of established legends develop further.