The Steph Curry debates are heating up once again, igniting discussions across networks. Recently, Draymond Green, who still contributes to TNT Sports’ NBA coverage during the off-season, mentioned on his podcast that past players fail to respect this era of the NBA. On ESPN’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith shared a controversial critique of Curry from “a Hall of Famer,” while Adam Lefkoe, host of NBA on TNT’s Tuesdays, expressed his frustration on X about the unnamed player’s argument regarding physicality:
Questioning Steph Curry’s ability to be great in any era is frustratingly absurd.
Why is the most common reason today’s players wouldn’t survive in past eras not about skill or strategy – but ‘we’d beat them up’? Not better basketball. Just violence. https://t.co/4XGsj4UgrG
— Adam Lefkoe (@AdamLefkoe) April 2, 2025
Smith recounts that a Hall of Famer told him, “Steph Curry would not have averaged more than 17 points a game.” He acknowledges the absurdity of that statement but also reflects on the player’s comments about the physicality of the past. “He mentioned, ‘In our era, we would’ve hurt him,’ and emphasized that Curry would have to face tougher conditions without the protection from officials,” Smith noted. He acknowledges that while current talent is superior, those playing in the past faced harsher judgments and physical elements that modern players are shielded from, like rule changes and the absence of physicality.
While Smith clarifies that he believes the present talent level is higher, he seems to agree to some extent with the unnamed player’s view that the historic physicality would negatively affect Curry and others known for their shooting prowess. Although Lefkoe refrains from criticizing Smith directly, he expresses clear disapproval of the violence-based argument presented by the player.
This exchange highlights the ongoing tensions between ESPN and TNT regarding NBA discussions. Over the years, there have been notable back-and-forths, especially between Smith and Inside The NBA‘s Charles Barkley. While this discussion may not escalate to that level of personal critique, it remains significant to observe a prominent figure from TNT Sports addressing the narrative surrounding the league as presented by ESPN, especially since TNT has faced criticism recently for negative coverage of the NBA’s current state.
