Carmelo Anthony credits Stephen Curry for transforming modern basketball

Few players in NBA history can speak on greatness with the authority of Carmelo Anthony.

A Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, Anthony spent nearly two decades competing at the highest level in the National Basketball Association, sharing the court with and battling against some of the greatest talents the game has ever seen. Yet when asked to name the player who truly changed the league’s landscape, Anthony pointed to one name: Stephen Curry.

Speaking on the latest episode of his “7PM in Brooklyn” podcast, the 10-time NBA All-Star reflected on Curry’s transformative influence on modern basketball, emphasizing how the Golden State icon redefined offensive strategy and defensive preparation across the league.

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“Oh, Steph changed the game. When it comes to how you approach the game and how you prepare for the game, it’s all because of Steph. The way he was able to transcend the shot-making ability and extend the three-point from the actual three-point line to damn near half-court. It made you think differently on how you wanted to guard him, how you defended him, how you defended the Warriors,” Anthony said.

Anthony did not hesitate to label Curry as a generational disruptor.

“So, I just think he is a game-changer. He changed the game. I think the game he changed will be changed for a long time,” he added.

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Now in his 17th NBA season, the 37-year-old Curry continues to perform at an elite level for the Golden State Warriors. Despite the wear and tear of a long career, the superstar guard is averaging 27.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, while shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from beyond the arc in 31.3 minutes across 39 appearances this season.

While Curry’s individual brilliance remains intact, Golden State’s campaign has been less dominant. The Warriors currently sit eighth in the Western Conference standings with a 29–27 record, fighting to solidify playoff positioning in a tightly contested conference.

Still, Anthony believes that as long as Curry remains at the center of the franchise, the Warriors will continue to be a threat.

“Well, they are going to compete. They are going to fight. Those guys are going to compete and fight until the wheels fall off over there. So as long as they are there, they are going to give themselves a fighting chance.

“As long as Steph is Steph, and you still got Draymond Green over there, you still got pieces over there. Until they decide that this is it, they are still going to be competitive,” he added.

Curry’s impact extends far beyond box scores and standings. Widely regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history, he revolutionized the modern game by stretching defensive boundaries and redefining the value of the three-point shot. His ability to consistently convert from well beyond the arc has forced teams to rethink spacing, defensive schemes, and roster construction.

What once seemed like high-risk shot selection is now standard practice across all levels of basketball — from youth leagues to the professional ranks — largely because of Curry’s influence.

As he continues to add to his legacy, Curry remains both a statistical marvel and a cultural force within the sport. Every deep three-pointer and clutch performance serves as another reminder of his enduring excellence.

For Anthony, who witnessed the evolution firsthand, the verdict is clear: the NBA that exists today — one built on pace, spacing, and perimeter shooting — bears the unmistakable imprint of Stephen Curry. And if his current form is any indication, the story of his impact is still being written.

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