When NBA fans debate the greatest point guard of all time, the names Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas usually dominate the conversation. Kevin Durant, however, has a different answer, and he has not been shy about sharing it. The superstar forward named Stephen Curry as the best point guard in NBA history and even placed him among the top five players ever. That opinion, shared in a 2024 post-game interview, still carries weight in 2026 because Curry's influence on the sport keeps growing.

Durant's view is not a casual hot take. He is one of the best scorers to ever step onto an NBA court, and he spent three seasons playing alongside Curry after joining the Golden State Warriors in 2016. Together with Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, they formed one of the most dominant teams in NBA history and won two titles in their first two seasons together. Injuries hindered their final campaign as a unit, and Durant left in 2019, but his respect for Curry never wavered. If anything, playing with Curry gave Durant a closer look at what makes him special.

So why does Durant choose Curry over Johnson and Thomas? The answer starts with transformation. Curry, drafted in 2009, mastered the art of the three-point shot and became the greatest shooter of all time. He did not just make deep shots; he changed how basketball is played. More and more teams now take inspiration from his exploits from deep and build their offenses around spacing, movement, and three-point volume. In that sense, Curry is both a player and a paradigm shift.
Durant's pick also highlights a modern way of judging point guards. The old-school case for Magic or Isiah leans on size, passing, leadership, and playoff control. Curry's case leans on gravity, efficiency, off-ball movement, and the way he bends defenses before he even touches the ball. He can run the offense as a traditional floor general, but he can also create chaos without dominating possession. That flexibility is a huge part of why Durant sees him as the best ever at the position.
Here is a quick look at the debate:
| Player | Signature quality | Why fans argue for him |
|---|---|---|
| Magic Johnson | Size, vision, leadership | A legendary orchestrator who turned Showtime into championships |
| Isiah Thomas | Toughness, control, clutch play | A fierce competitor who led the Pistons through brutal playoff battles |
| Stephen Curry | Shooting, gravity, off-ball movement | A revolutionary force who changed spacing and three-point strategy across the league |
What makes Durant's comment so interesting is that he did not pick Russell Westbrook, his longtime teammate in Oklahoma City, or a traditional icon like Magic. He picked Curry, a former teammate whose game is built on a different kind of point guard excellence. That choice says a lot about how the position has evolved. Point guards are still asked to handle the ball, dictate plays, and run the court, but they are also judged by how much space they create and how much pressure they put on a defense from everywhere on the floor.
In 2026, the conversation has not cooled. Curry's legacy remains a live topic because his style continues to shape younger guards and team-building philosophies. The Warriors star is not just a great point guard in Durant's eyes; he is a top-five NBA player of all time. That is a bold claim, but it fits the way Durant values skill, shooting, and offensive impact. For him, Curry's ability to dominate without always controlling the ball is a superpower.
Of course, the debate will never end. Magic fans will point to five championships and unmatched court vision. Isiah supporters will mention his toughness and playoff brilliance. Curry fans will bring up his shooting records, his gravity, and the way he changed the sport. Durant's opinion does not settle the argument, but it adds a powerful voice to it. When one of the greatest scorers ever says Curry is the best point guard ever, people listen.
That is the fun of basketball debates. They mix memory, style, and stats, and they never stay quiet for long. Durant's pick gives fans plenty to chew on: a former teammate, a revolutionary shooter, and a player who helped redefine what a point guard can be. In 2026, that case looks stronger than ever. 🏀
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