Stephen Curry is one of the greatest point guards ever and he more than solidified that stance with his impressive showing in the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Curry led Team USA in scoring with 14.8 points per game and set the world on fire with his elite partnerships with LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Anthony Davis among others.
Curry no longer has his “Splash Brother” Klay Thompson alongside him in Golden State and seeing him alongside star players with Team USA makes us wonder: which NBA superstars would love the chance to play with Stephen Curry the most? Let’s find out.
1. LeBron James
LeBron James and Stephen Curry have been fierce rivals for most of their careers, clashing in four straight NBA Finals between 2015 and 2018. However, their mutual respect and complementary skill sets would make them a lethal combination on the same team. LeBron’s unparalleled court vision (career average of 7.4 APG) and ability to control the pace of the game would perfectly complement Curry’s off-ball movement and three-point shooting. In the 2024 Olympics, they displayed an easy chemistry, with LeBron often finding Curry for open shots, capitalizing on the gravity both players generate.
LeBron, now a pass-first forward, would benefit from Curry’s shooting by facing fewer double teams and having more driving lanes. Conversely, Curry would thrive as the primary scoring option without always needing to handle the ball, allowing him to focus on his strengths. Their combined basketball IQ and leadership could create an unstoppable offense, capable of exploiting defenses from every angle. A partnership with Curry would allow LeBron to prolong his career while chasing more championships in a less ball-dominant role.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Stephen Curry would create a modern-day Shaq-and-Kobe duo with a twist. Giannis’ ability to dominate in the paint, both offensively and defensively, combined with Curry’s unmatched shooting from the perimeter, would make them an unstoppable force. Giannis, a two-time MVP, excels in transition, finishing at the rim, and would benefit immensely from Curry spacing the floor. In 2023-24, Giannis led the NBA in points in the paint per game (20.3), and adding Curry’s shooting would make it nearly impossible for defenses to collapse on him.
Curry’s gravity would open up the floor for Giannis to attack the rim, while Giannis’ defensive prowess (2020 DPOY, career 1.2 BPG, 1.1 SPG) would cover Curry’s occasional lapses on that end. Offensively, Giannis would draw defenders inside, leaving Curry free for wide-open threes. Together, they would form a terrifying inside-out duo, capable of dominating in both half-court sets and fast breaks. The fact that Giannis averages 4.9 assists per game as a power forward highlights that a pick-and-roll with this duo would be simply unbeatable.
3. Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic’s basketball genius and Stephen Curry’s shooting would be a match made in heaven. Jokic, the 2021, 2022, and 2024 MVP, is arguably the best passing big man in NBA history, averaging 9.0 APG in the 2023-24 season, leading all centers. His vision and ability to read defenses would mesh perfectly with Curry’s off-ball movement, creating countless opportunities for backdoor cuts, open threes, and quick handoffs. Jokic’s ability to operate from the high post or beyond the arc would give Curry a dynamic pick-and-pop or pick-and-roll partner.
Curry’s gravity would also enhance Jokic’s game by forcing defenders to choose between doubling the two-time MVP or giving Curry space. With Curry playing off Jokic, the offense would flow seamlessly, with both players making quick decisions that leave defenses scrambling. The combination of Jokic’s soft touch around the basket (career 55.7 FG%) and Curry’s outside shooting would make them nearly impossible to defend. Together, they would create one of the most fluid and efficient offenses in NBA history, maximizing each other’s unique talents.
4. Kevin Durant
The chemistry between Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant is well-documented, as they played together for three seasons with the Golden State Warriors, winning two NBA championships and reaching three straight Finals. Durant averaged 25.8 PPG, 7.1 RPG, and 5.4 APG during his time with the Warriors while shooting 38.4% from three, benefiting from Curry’s ability to stretch defenses to their limits. Their partnership was characterized by unselfish play and a deep understanding of spacing, with Curry often sacrificing his own scoring to accommodate Durant’s efficient mid-range and isolation game.
Durant’s versatility as a scorer—he’s one of the best at all three levels—would complement Curry’s perimeter shooting. Curry’s ability to draw double teams would give Durant more one-on-one opportunities, where he excels, as evidenced by his career 50.1 FG%. Durant’s defensive length (1.1 BPG career) also helped shore up the Warriors’ defense, something that would be invaluable on any future team-up. Reuniting with Curry would likely be seamless, rekindling the chemistry that made them the most feared duo in the league.
5. Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid and Stephen Curry would form a formidable inside-outside duo, leveraging Embiid’s dominance in the post and Curry’s unparalleled shooting from beyond the arc. Embiid, the 2023 MVP, is a force on both ends of the floor, averaging 34.7 PPG and 11.0 RPG in the 2023-24 season. His ability to draw double teams in the post would create numerous opportunities for Curry to get open looks from three. Embiid’s post-scoring (career 52.9 FG%) combined with his improved passing out of double teams (career-high 4.2 APG in 2023-24) would make him an ideal partner for Curry.
Defensively, Embiid’s presence would allow Curry to be more aggressive on the perimeter, knowing he has an elite rim protector behind him. On offense, Curry’s shooting would pull defenders away from Embiid, giving the big man more room to operate inside. Their pick-and-roll would be a nightmare to defend, with Curry’s range and Embiid’s versatility as both a roller and a popper. As good as Tyrese Maxey has been with Embiid, Curry would bring a different level of offensive player.
6. Anthony Davis
Pairing Anthony Davis with Stephen Curry would create a dominant two-way partnership. Davis, a nine-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA First Team member brings elite shot-blocking and rebounding, averaging 2.3 BPG and 10.6 RPG over his career. Offensively, Davis’ ability to score both inside and out, combined with his agility, would complement Curry’s playmaking. Davis shot 55.6% from the field in the 2023-24 season, even if he only shot 27.1% from beyond the arc.
Defensively, Davis could cover for Curry’s size disadvantages, allowing Curry to play more aggressively on the perimeter. Offensively, the pick-and-roll between Curry and Davis would be devastating, with Davis’ ability to finish lobs and Curry’s shooting range. As a player who can play both the four and the five, Davis’ versatility would allow Curry to thrive, creating mismatches against virtually every team in the league. With Curry spacing the floor, Davis would have more room to operate in the post, making them a perfect pairing in any pick-and-pop or pick-and-roll situation.
7. Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson’s explosive athleticism and Stephen Curry’s elite shooting could create one of the most exciting duos in the NBA. Zion, despite his injuries, has shown flashes of brilliance, averaging 22.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG, and 5.0 APG RPG on an astonishing 57.0 FG% in the 2023-24 season. His ability to finish at the rim is unmatched, and with Curry on the perimeter, Zion would have even more space to attack the basket. Curry’s shooting would prevent teams from collapsing on Zion, allowing him to dominate in the paint without facing constant double teams.
Zion’s physical presence would also benefit Curry, who excels in fast-paced, open-court situations. With Zion running the floor and Curry pulling up from deep, they would create a dynamic offense that’s difficult to stop. Additionally, Zion’s ability to draw fouls and finish through contact would complement Curry’s ability to create off the dribble. The duo could thrive in a high-tempo offense, with Zion’s powerful dunks and Curry’s deep threes electrifying fans and overwhelming opponents.
8. Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic and Stephen Curry would form an unorthodox but potent backcourt, combining Doncic’s playmaking and size with Curry’s shooting and off-ball movement. Sure, Doncic has Kyrie Irving, but even the greatest ball-handler of all time can’t compare to what the point guard can space the floor. Doncic, who has averaged 8.0 APG throughout his career, excels at creating opportunities for teammates, and playing alongside Curry would give him another elite scorer to set up.
In the 2023-24 season, Doncic averaged 33.9 PPG, 9.2 RPG, and 9.8 APG, showcasing his ability to do it all on the floor. His step-back three is deadly, but having Curry as an off-ball threat would add another dimension to his game. Curry’s movement without the ball would create spacing and open lanes for Doncic, who thrives in pick-and-roll situations. The mix of Doncic’s size and Curry’s quickness could create mismatches against almost every opponent and it would be amazing to watch.
9. Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler’s tenacity and Stephen Curry’s finesse would create a unique but powerful duo. Butler, a six-time All-Star known for defensive prowess and clutch performances, brings a gritty, all-around game that could complement Curry’s shooting. In the 2023-24 season, Butler averaged 20.8 PPG, 5.5 RPG, and 5.0 APG while shooting 49.9% from the field, proving he can be a primary scorer when needed.
However, Butler’s greatest strength lies in his ability to elevate his play in big moments, as evidenced by his numerous heroic playoff performances. Playing alongside Curry would take pressure off Butler to carry the offense, allowing him to focus on defense and late-game situations where he thrives. Curry’s shooting would open up the floor for Butler’s drives to the basket, where he excels at drawing fouls and finishing through contact (career 84.4 FT%). On the other end, Butler’s defensive intensity and versatility (career 1.3 SPG) would help cover Curry’s weaker defensive matchups, creating a balanced duo that can excel on both ends of the floor.
10. Domantas Sabonis
Domantas Sabonis and Stephen Curry would make an intriguing pair, blending Sabonis’ elite playmaking from the post with Curry’s unmatched shooting. Sabonis, a three-time All-Star, averaged 19.4 PPG, 13.7 RPG, and a career-high 8.2 APG in the 2023-24 season, showcasing his ability to facilitate offense as a big man. His combination of scoring, rebounding, and passing makes him a perfect partner for Curry, who excels in off-ball movement and exploiting defensive breakdowns. With Sabonis operating from the high post, Curry would have endless opportunities to get open looks from three.
Defensively, Sabonis’ physicality on the boards (led the NBA in rebounds for the second straight season) would allow Curry to leak out in transition, where he is deadly. Offensively, the two could run devastating pick-and-rolls or handoff plays, with Sabonis’ ability to finish inside or find open shooters adding a new dimension to Curry’s game. Sabonis’ unselfishness and high basketball IQ would mesh well with Curry’s style, creating a fluid offense that emphasizes ball movement and spacing.
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