Indeed, the biggest news of Tuesday in NBA circles was Michael Jordan saying he doesn’t believe Stephen Curry is a Hall of Famer. Coincidentally, the interview aired on the Today Show and was quickly reported upon my a number of mainstream sources.
Perhaps Jordan is just razzing and having a little fun. Furthermore, Jordan has always been known to be one of the most tenacious competitors the sports world has ever seen. However, you read on and be the judge. Equally important – Jordan added one important word on the end of his statement regarding Curry – with that word being ‘yet’.
Michael Jordan doesn’t think Stephen Curry is a Hall of Famer yet https://t.co/4I3HkOZIQ4
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) October 22, 2019
First, Melvin asked if Jordan would change his list of players he said would be unbeatable in a pickup game years ago. Then that list did not include Curry. All of which led Melvin to ask Jordan if Curry should have hurt feelings not being included in that list. Then the money quote from the segment came out.
“I hope not. He’s still a great player. Not a Hall of Famer yet though,” Jordan said. “He’s not.”
Recently, Curry made a much discussed top ten list of all time NBA players. On that list he was ranked tenth.
Still, it’s easy to understand why Jordan still looks at Curry and hopes to see more. The former Chicago Bulls star wrapped up his 15-year NBA career with six titles, six Finals MVP awards, five league MVPs and was an All-Star in every season but one.
By comparison – and by those standards – Curry or any other player has a ways to go.
Finally, Magic Johnson said via his twitter to not take Jordan’s comments at face value. Possibly to smooth the rough edges over, it is interesting the Magic would tell everyone what his friend really meant.
Everyone relax. We know Steph Curry is a future Hall of Famer…Michael Jordan couldn’t say it because he would get fined by the league.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) October 22, 2019
The 2019-2020 NBA season kicks off today. Without question, this was the perfect thing to get people talking about hoops.
You’ve still got it, MJ. Well played sir.
