Steph Curry Reflects on 'Surreal' Status Alongside LeBron James as Faces of NBA
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry said it still feels "surreal" to be a face of the NBA alongside rival LeBron James.
"Because life flashes, life just goes so fast," he told The Athletic's Nick Friedell. "And you think 17 years in and you're still in your head able to play at a level that you know can still win games at a high level."
There are countless other active stars who have collected major accolades or become synonymous with how basketball is played now.
Kevin Durant is a two-time NBA Finals MVP and one of the greatest pure scorers in history. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokić are title winners with multiple MVPs, and they symbolize the growth the NBA has made outside of the United States. James Harden, more than arguably anybody else, has influenced the tactical side of the sport.
Still, Warriors star Draymond Green believes LeBron and Steph stand above their peers.
"I think a lot how you've heard over the last couple years, like, 'Who's the face?' It always turns back to those guys," he said to Friedell. "I think we'll be in constant search because I don't know anyone that can carry the way those two guys have. From a fandom standpoint, it's one thing, but with such grace and they don't really make mistakes. No disrespect to nobody, but the bar that they've set is so high."
Fans are feeling even more wistful about the Curry/James rivalry because the two are in the twilight of their playing careers.
LeBron will turn 41 in December and he could easily hang his sneakers up next summer. This the last season he's under contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Curry, 37, isn't immune to Father Time. His scoring average (24.5 points) last year was his lowest over a full season since 2014-15.
On his own, James will leave a massive void for the NBA when he retires because there simply isn't another player who occupies a similar importance in the popular consciousness. And it could be a long time before there's an individual rivalry that can match the longevity and stakes of LeBron vs. Steph.
