Jerry West explains the difference between Stephen Curry and Pete Maravich

We often like to compare great players and analyze in which areas they look alike or differentiate. It gives us a suitable parameter of who is the better player, but sometimes you have players so unique and great that it is hard to find any resemblances in others. One of those guys is most definitely Stephen Curry.

Pioneer of the three-point shoot dominance

We have often talked about how Stephen Curry revolutionized the way the game is being played today with his deep-shot-making ability. He proved that teams relying heavily on the usage of the long-shot could not only be championship teams but dynasties.

That, of course, sparked an avalanche of teams and players trying to copy the blueprint of the Golden State Warriors. In the process, Curry became regarded as the best shooter of all time and one of the best players in history in the eyes of current and former players. But as always, the question gets asked, did Curry benefit from playing in such a fast-paced era of basketball. Could have some other guys from old-school eras done the same damage if given a chance?

“Pistol” Pete Maravich

If you are a basketball fan, you have heard of the name Pete Maravich. One of the flashiest players in NBA history was an icon in the ’70s, playing ahead of his time. A 6’5” combo-guard that could shoot from deep when there was no three-point line, with a great handle and even better passing ability. All of those made him a fan favorite.

Maravich dominated the NBA with his scoring ability for a good time, even averaging 31.1 ppg in his best season. Keep in mind this was in the 70s’, with no three-point line or fast-paced transition basketball. Unfortunately, a severe knee injury in 1978 derailed Pete’s career, as he retired only two years later at 32 years old.

Jerry West shares if there is any resemblance between Curry and Maravich

Naturally, the comparisons between Curry and Maravich started to rise, as people wondered if Pete could have been doing the same thing in today’s NBA. Well, we can all speculate and assume how that would go down, but who better than ask than a player that actually saw “Pistol” Pete play up close.

“The Logo” Jerry West was also one of the best players in the 60s’ and ’70s, as he got asked on The Dan Patrick Show if he saw any resemblance between Maravich and Curry. West kept it short and straightforward, putting Curry on a pedestal:

“None whatsoever. The difference is Pete could not shoot the ball like him. Period. This (Curry)is the premier shooter I saw I’ve ever seen in my life.”

Jerry West, The Dan Patrick Show 

West would go on to praise Curry for his skillset, attitude, leadership, and off-court character. Although Maravich was an unbelievable scorer, he wasn’t near the shot maker Curry is in West’s mind. That seems like a valid point, as Curry is really a one-of-a-kind player that everybody agrees is the only one able to hit specific types of shots. Sure Maravich was amazing and ahead of his time, but there is no player in history you can compare to Curry and say they are near the same level.

source：https://www.basketballnetwork.net/