Draymond Green recently disputed Skip Bayless’ assertion that Kevin Durant was crucial in preserving Stephen Curry’s NBA legacy, emphasizing Curry’s achievement as the 2022 Finals MVP. The disagreement arose amid ongoing debates about how Durant’s presence impacted the legacies of Warriors stars Green and Curry during their championship runs from 2017 to 2018. Green notably highlighted Curry’s 2022 NBA Finals performance as a defining moment independent of Durant’s contributions.
Green and Curry share four NBA championships, with two titles won alongside Durant. Despite criticism for joining an already dominant team, Durant sought to secure championships, a pursuit interrupted by his Achilles injury during the 2019 Finals which allowed the Toronto Raptors to claim their first title. The legacy discussion continues to revolve around whether Durant’s addition unfairly overshadowed Curry’s and Green’s roles during those championship years.
Skip Bayless Argues Durant’s Finals Performances Elevated the Warriors
Sports commentator Skip Bayless has maintained that Durant’s performances in the 2017 and 2018 Finals were pivotal to the Warriors securing those titles. He argued that without Durant’s fearless play against LeBron James’ teams, Curry alone might not have been able to overcome the opposition. Bayless stated,
“With just Steph, I don’t think he would’ve gotten past LeBron those two times that you did. Kevin just blew me away in those finals, because he was not afraid… Steph still, he’s a little guy by basketball terms. He can only do so much. I believe you guys were gonna lose without him.”
Green’s challenge to Bayless’ take during their exchange on a recent show sparked renewed discussion about Durant’s impact and whether the Warriors’ earlier championships are undervalued without considering his role.
Green Highlights Stephen Curry’s 2022 Finals MVP as a Defining Achievement
In response, Draymond Green called attention to Curry’s excellence during the 2022 NBA Finals, which resulted in Curry securing the Finals MVP award.
“So then what does 2022 then do for Steph’s legacy?”
Green asked during their dialogue, underscoring this recent achievement as evidence of Curry’s lasting dominance independent of Durant.
Bayless, though initially hesitant, ultimately recognized the significance of 2022 in reaffirming Curry’s elite status. He stated,
“It put it back on the map. It was saving grace. I think we all needed to see that he could do that, then.”
This acknowledgment positions the 2022 Finals as a critical moment when Curry reclaimed his standing among the greatest players.
This achievement follows other key highlights for Curry, including his decisive role in leading Team USA to a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, where he outperformed several superstar teammates, including LeBron James and Kevin Durant, on the international stage.
The Road Ahead: Potential for Further Cementing Curry’s Legacy
The conversations surrounding Curry’s legacy remain influenced heavily by the 2017 and 2018 championship narratives. However, a future championship for the Golden State Warriors led by Curry could shift this perspective definitively. Despite a difficult recent season, where injuries derailed championship hopes, the Warriors have plans in place to contend seriously again.
Injuries to key players such as Jimmy Butler affected the competition landscape, but with new acquisitions like Kristaps Porzingis expected to recover fully by next season, Golden State’s prospects appear stronger. Their ability to maximize team chemistry and individual talents will be crucial as they aim to reclaim the title amid fierce Western Conference competition.
Given that Curry is entering the later stages of his career, having another championship could solidify his legacy beyond any dispute related to Durant’s tenure with the Warriors. The team’s need for sustained firepower and cohesive performance against top contenders will define their success.
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