The legendary Jerry West passed away peacefully earlier this week and we honored his greatness by going through his greatest achievements as a player and executive. Looking back at West’s career as a player, there is no doubt he has to be in the conversation for being one of the 15 most talented and accomplished NBA stars of all time.
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry is widely regarded as one of the best point guards of all time and easily the best shooter we have ever seen play the game. The “Babyface Assassin” does not look like much when he steps on the court, but there is no doubt he is a tremendous talent with incredible basketball skills. A 4-time champion with 2 back-to-back MVP awards, Curry changed the NBA by encouraging players to take three-point shots as much as possible because it can kick-start a run that could be insurmountable.
Both West and Curry had amazing careers as superstar guards and should be honored as two of the greatest players of all time but a complete career comparison will give us the answer on which legend is greater in the all-time rankings.
Championships
Jerry West: 1 (1972)
Stephen Curry: 4 (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022)
Jerry West secured his lone NBA championship in 1972 with the Los Angeles Lakers, capping off a career marked by several near misses. Known as “Mr. Clutch” for his ability to perform under pressure, West’s only title came after numerous Finals appearances, where he often faced dominant Boston Celtics teams. His perseverance and leadership were instrumental in the Lakers’ victory, highlighting his resilience and skill in the face of repeated adversity.
Stephen Curry, in contrast, has enjoyed considerable championship success, winning four titles with the Golden State Warriors in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022. Curry revolutionized the game with his exceptional three-point shooting and offensive prowess, leading a Warriors dynasty that dominated the NBA for nearly a decade. His impact on the team’s success and his ability to perform at the highest level in crucial moments have solidified his legacy as one of the greatest players of his generation and takes the edge in championships won.
Advantage: Stephen Curry
Finals MVP Awards
Jerry West: 1 (1969)
Stephen Curry: 1 (2022)
Jerry West’s single Finals MVP award came in 1969, a notable achievement as he remains the only player to win the award despite being on the losing team. This accolade underscores his exceptional performance and competitive spirit during the series, where he averaged 37.9 points per game. West’s remarkable efforts, even in defeat, highlight his tenacity and ability to shine on the grandest stage of all.
Stephen Curry finally claimed his first Finals MVP award in 2022, after previously being overshadowed by teammates Andre Iguodala and Kevin Durant in the Warriors’ earlier championships. Curry’s 2022 Finals performance was a testament to his enduring excellence and clutch ability, as he led Golden State to victory over the Boston Celtics. This award solidified Curry’s legacy, affirming his status as the driving force behind the Warriors’ sustained success.
Advantage: Even
MVP Awards
Jerry West: 0
Stephen Curry: 2 (2015, 2016)
Jerry West never captured an MVP award during his illustrious career, despite consistently being one of the league’s top performers and finishing second in MVP voting four times. His era featured fierce competition from other all-time greats, such as Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain, which likely contributed to his lack of MVP honors.
Stephen Curry, on the other hand, has won two MVP awards, both coming in consecutive seasons (2015 and 2016). His unanimous MVP win in 2016 was particularly historic, reflecting his transformative impact on the game through his unparalleled shooting and offensive innovation. Curry’s back-to-back MVP awards highlight his dominance during the peak of his career as he kick-started a dynasty in the Western Conference.
Advantage: Stephen Curry
All-NBA Teams
Jerry West: 12 (10 First Team, 2 Second Team)
Stephen Curry: 10 (4 First Team, 4 Second Team, 2 Third Team)
Jerry West was named to the All-NBA teams an impressive 12 times, including 10 First Team selections and 2 Second Team selections. This consistent recognition over his career underscores his sustained excellence and dominance in the league. West’s ability to maintain such a high level of performance over a prolonged period is a testament to his skill, versatility, and leadership on the court.
Stephen Curry has been selected to the All-NBA teams 10 times, with 4 First Team, 4 Second Team, and 2 Third Team honors. While Curry’s total selections are slightly fewer than West’s, his impact on the game, especially during the Warriors’ championship runs, has been profound. Curry’s All-NBA accolades reflect his status as one of the elite players of his era, particularly in revolutionizing the role of the point guard in modern basketball.
Advantage: Jerry West
All-Star Selections
Jerry West: 14
Stephen Curry: 10
Jerry West’s 14 All-Star selections highlight his status as a perennial star throughout his career. His consistent presence in the All-Star game is a reflection of his popularity, skill, and the respect he commanded from fans and peers alike. West’s ability to perform at an elite level year after year made him a fixture in the annual showcase of the league’s best talent.
Stephen Curry, with 10 All-Star selections, has similarly been a mainstay in the mid-season classic. His dazzling style of play and remarkable shooting ability have made him a fan favorite and a regular highlight of All-Star festivities but his prime has not lasted as long as West’s did.
Advantage: Jerry West
All-Defensive NBA Teams
Jerry West: 5 (4 First Team, 1 Second Team)
Stephen Curry: 0
Jerry West was named to the All-Defensive teams 5 times, including 4 First Team and 1 Second Team selections. This recognition speaks to his tenacity and prowess on the defensive end of the court, often guarding the opposition’s best perimeter players. West’s defensive accolades complement his offensive brilliance, showcasing his well-rounded game and ability to excel on both ends of the floor.
Stephen Curry, known primarily for his offensive exploits, has not been selected to any All-Defensive teams. While Curry’s defense has improved over the years, it has never been a standout aspect of his game. His contributions on offense, however, have more than compensated for this, making him one of the most impactful players in NBA history despite the lack of defensive honors.
Advantage: Jerry West
Total Win Shares
Jerry West: 162.6
Stephen Curry: 135.2
Jerry West accumulated a total of 162.6 win shares over his career, reflecting his significant contribution to his team’s success. Win shares measure a player’s overall impact on their team’s wins, and West’s high total underscores his consistent excellence and ability to positively influence games. His impressive win shares total is a testament to his all-around game and enduring impact over a lengthy career with the Lakers.
Stephen Curry, with 135.2 win shares, has also demonstrated remarkable value to his team. Curry’s win shares reflect his offensive brilliance and the transformative effect he has had on the Warriors’ success. While his total is currently lower than West’s, Curry’s ongoing career and potential for further accolades could see him close the gap, highlighting his enduring influence on the game.
Advantage: Jerry West
Career Player Efficiency Rating
Jerry West: 22.9
Stephen Curry: 23.6
Jerry West’s career player efficiency rating (PER) of 22.9 is indicative of his all-around impact and efficiency on the court. PER is a comprehensive statistic that measures a player’s per-minute productivity, and West’s high rating reflects his ability to contribute significantly in various facets of the game. His impressive PER underscores his status as one of the most well-rounded and effective players of his era.
Stephen Curry boasts a career PER of 23.6, slightly higher than West’s, highlighting his exceptional offensive efficiency and overall impact. Curry’s PER reflects his remarkable scoring ability, playmaking, and the efficiency with which he operates within the Warriors’ system. His high PER is a testament to his transformative effect on the game and his ability to maximize his contributions during his time on the court.
Advantage: Stephen Curry
Final Score
Jerry West vs. Stephen Curry 4-3
In the head-to-head career comparison between Jerry West and Stephen Curry, the final score stands at 4-3 in favor of Jerry West. While Curry is often hailed as the greater player of all time due to his four championships and his revolutionary impact on the game, this detailed comparison highlights the enduring excellence of West’s career.
Jerry West’s prime lasted longer than Curry’s, allowing him to accumulate more All-Star and All-NBA selections. His 14 All-Star appearances and 12 All-NBA team selections showcase his consistent dominance and versatility over a prolonged period. Additionally, West’s superior defensive prowess, evidenced by his five All-Defensive team selections, gives him an edge in this career evaluation. While Curry’s transformative offensive game and championship success are undeniable, West’s comprehensive skill set and sustained performance make him the winner of this career comparison.
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