Before becoming a father to two NBA stars, Dell Curry carved out an impressive 16-year career of his own in professional basketball. The Charlotte native’s journey from a first-round draft pick in 1986 to one of the most respected veterans in the game provides unique insight into basketball’s evolution.
Curry’s NBA career spanned from 1986 to 2002, giving him the opportunity to compete against players who dominate today’s GOAT conversation. Most notably, he faced Michael Jordan, the six-time NBA champion and 14-time All-Star selection, in regular head-to-head competition throughout their careers.
Currently working as a color commentator for Charlotte Hornets games, Curry has witnessed firsthand the emergence of current basketball icons like LeBron James. He’s also had the privilege of calling games featuring his own son, Stephen Curry, during the Warriors’ visits to Charlotte.
Given his unique perspective spanning multiple generations of elite basketball, Curry’s take on the GOAT debate carries significant weight.
Dell Curry Names His Undisputed NBA GOAT
In a recent exclusive interview with PFSN’s Alex Kennedy, Curry discussed his NBA journey, memorable battles against Jordan, and his thoughts on Stephen’s eventual retirement. The conversation naturally turned to basketball’s most debated topic.
When pressed for his GOAT selection, Curry didn’t hesitate: “Michael Jordan. There’s no question. I mean, I respect LeBron. I played most of my career against Jordan. He is the GOAT, in my opinion, and there’s no hesitation in that answer.”
Curry’s assessment comes from extensive firsthand experience. Playing primarily in the Eastern Conference, he regularly matched up against Jordan’s Chicago Bulls during the height of their dominance. The personal nature of these encounters shaped his perspective on greatness.
“I played all but one year in the Eastern Conference, so I played against Michael a lot, especially here in Charlotte. He’s from Wilmington,” Curry explained to PFSN. “You knew when the Bulls came in, you better have your A game, but it challenged you to see just how well you could play against the best player to ever play.”
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The veteran’s admiration extends beyond individual matchups to Jordan’s broader impact on everyone around him.
“I have so many moments of being wowed, whether I was guarding him or watching him,” Dell said. “But I was just fortunate and blessed to be able to share the court with that guy on a nightly basis and compete against him.”
According to Land of Basketball, Curry and Jordan faced each other 51 times in NBA competition. Jordan, leading the Bulls, posted a commanding 39-12 record against Curry’s teams, including an 8-3 advantage in playoff games.
The statistical comparison between the two players illustrates different but equally valuable roles. Curry began his career in 1986, two years after Jordan’s NBA debut. He finished with career averages of 11.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, retiring as the Hornets’ all-time leading scorer with 9,839 points.
Jordan’s career numbers tell the story of an offensive force: 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. His scoring average remains the highest in NBA history, a testament to his sustained excellence throughout his career.
Pride in His Son’s Revolutionary Impact
While Jordan earns Dell’s GOAT designation, there’s undeniable pride in watching Stephen Curry transform basketball. The Warriors superstar’s influence on modern offensive strategy has been profound, introducing concepts that have fundamentally changed how the game is played.
“It makes me proud as a father to know how he changed the game, the impact that he had, his love for the game, his dedication, his discipline,” Dell reflected.
Steph and his dad Dell embrace as Seth gets his pregame shots up 🙌
The Curry family is all in the Bay ready for Hornets-Warriors! 👨👦👦 pic.twitter.com/88sN5nA7vh
— NBA (@NBA) February 26, 2025
Dell attributes Stephen’s success to relentless work ethic behind the scenes. “His game is the result of all the hard work he puts in behind the scenes. Something his fans don’t get to witness,” he noted.
The Curry family’s basketball legacy continues with Seth, Dell’s younger son, who currently plays for the Charlotte Hornets. Seth’s return to his father’s former team has created a unique full-circle moment, with Dell calling games featuring his own son while working as the Hornets’ color commentator.
This multi-generational perspective gives Dell a rare vantage point in basketball history. Having competed against the game’s past legends while watching his sons succeed against today’s stars, his GOAT assessment carries the weight of lived experience across multiple eras of elite basketball.
