First, Giannis Antetokounmpo, owner of the 2021 NBA finals MVP, affirmed that he considers Curry to be the “best player in the world”.

“I think the best player in the world is the one who can bring the home team to the finish line, help them win matches to eventually become champions,” Antetokounmpo shared.

“Two years ago, if I followed this criteria, I would have said: ‘Ah yes, maybe I’m the best player in the world’. But not now. In my opinion, the best player in the world right now, in my opinion, is Steph Curry. He will hold that position until the next one comes along.”

These comments reached Stephen Curry’s ears. The 35-year-old superstar thinks this is… normal. Because he thinks this is the respect that a champion like him can receive from his opponents: “I would say the same thing (to Antetokounmpo) when I face champions,” Curry emphasized.

“It’s part of the nature of the tournament. We all want to win championships, and when you look at a team to see who is the best player, you will think the same way. I thought the same thing about Antetokounmpo last year, right after the Bucks’ championship run.

“So I appreciate the compliment. But it won’t soften me to complacency. Through this compliment, I appreciate the respect of my colleagues. In fact, I also got a lot of praise from people around the league.”