Stephen Curry has never been shy about mixing respect for basketball’s past with his own modern flair, and his latest comments on a dream three-on-three team prove just that. In a recent sit-down with ABC7 News Bay Area, Curry was asked which player from the past he would like to team up with in a playground-style game.
His response turned into something bigger than expected: not just one name, but two legends who helped define eras of basketball: Allen Iverson and Magic Johnson.
“Allen Iverson, that’s the first name popeed in for sure… Probably Magic. You put me, Magic and AI, I think that’d be a solid three-on-three team”
Without hesitation, Curry said the first player that came to mind was Allen Iverson. The 2001 MVP is one of the most influential guards in NBA history, someone who changed the culture of basketball with his fearless play and streetball mentality.
Iverson’s ability to break down defenses with his crossover and attack the rim despite being only six feet tall inspired countless players, Curry included.
For Curry, who has built his career on shifting the game in his own way, Iverson’s presence in a dream lineup makes perfect sense.
Yet Iverson was known more for scoring than defense. Though he led the league in steals three times, much of that came from gambling in the passing lanes rather than locking down opponents one-on-one. Still, his offensive brilliance in a three-on-three setting would make him a constant mismatch.
After choosing Iverson, Curry’s wheels kept turning.
Magic Johnson’s 6-foot-9 frame and otherworldly vision made him one of the most unique point guards the game has ever seen. A five-time NBA champion and three-time MVP, Magic thrived on elevating teammates and making everyone around him better.
In a smaller, half-court format like three-on-three, his ability to control tempo and create easy buckets would be invaluable. Pairing Magic’s playmaking with Curry’s outside shooting and Iverson’s attacking ability would guarantee endless highlight plays.
What’s interesting about Curry’s picks is that both of his teammates are guards, with Magic doubling as a bigger playmaker rather than a traditional forward or center. Curry bypassed the obvious choice of adding a dominant big man like Shaquille O’Neal or even a do-it-all wing like Michael Jordan. That decision reflects today’s NBA trend: prioritize offense above all.
Put simply, a three-man lineup of Curry, Iverson, and Magic would be must-see basketball. Curry stretching the floor with his limitless range, Iverson attacking defenders off the dribble, and Magic orchestrating the offense with dazzling no-look passes would create chaos for opponents. Defensively, they might struggle, but Curry doesn’t believe it would matter.
In the end, his dream trio isn’t about positional balance or defensive prowess. It’s about creating the ultimate playground team, three icons from different eras whose styles would mesh into a firestorm of skill, flair, and highlight reels. It’s the type of answer only Steph Curry would give, blending respect for history with the scoring punch of today’s game.
