In The NBA LeBron James And Steph Curry Still Reign King
Is the NBA more popular on a global scale than it is on a hyper-local scale? LeBron James and Steph Curry have been superstar legends of the game for over 20 years now, yet they still have the top two selling jerseys in the game.
Collectively, James and Curry are 75 years-old. They have eight championship rings between them, and 36 NBA seasons. Presently, there are all-world mega-stars in the game such as Victor Wembanyama and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Still, this begs the question: in your local cities and markets are mainstays like James and Curry more of a draw than your team’s stars? The NFL has certainly taught us a few cultural lessons here. A young fan often cheers for players like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Lamar Jackson more than the team they call their favorite. In other words, young fans seem to favor players as opposed to teams.
Here’s How LeBron James and Stephen Curry Are Still Flying High
Four or five times a week, my youngest son and I play a one-on-one basketball. It’s a fun bonding experience where we lower the hoop, and we shoot around. Our driveway stage names here are Parker James vs. Jeff Curry.
It’s important to note that I live in the Celtics’ market. Boston has been dominant all year and is expected to be a serious contender for the title. However, I am a big New York Knicks fan, as is my son. The Knicks too, have had one of their more exciting teams in a long time. Sure, it’s a play on our names, but my little man and I still opt to be James and Curry in our basketball games.
Jersey sales and pickup-game characters are one thing, but it is fair to say there is some additional substance behind these two players continuing to have a major impact. Of course, they are globally recognized and have been the face of major brands. James with Nike and Curry with Under Armour.
There’s also what they have done for the game and in the game. James may not be the all-time GOAT just yet, but he has arguably had one of the greatest NBA careers of all-time considering how long he is playing. For context, Bill Russell played 13 seasons, and Michael Jordan played 15 seasons. James is in his 21st.
Steph Curry completely changed the game in his flawless execution of the three-point shot. Young players often prefer sinking a distance three over slamming a powerful dunk. In addition, Curry has often been mentioned when we discuss how incredible it is to watch the women’s game and Caitlin Clark swishing logo three-pointers. Curry popularized the three unlike any other player in recent history.
Curry and the Warriors are currently out of the playoffs. James and the Lakers have a tall task ahead of them going up against the defending champion Denver Nuggets. Likely, neither player will raise a banner this year. Yet, even in the offseason fans all over the world will buy their jerseys and choose to mimic them in their local pickup games.
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. It’s great to have these players accomplish greatness and still cheer for the stars in your city. Both can progress the game.
Ranking The 5 Best NBA Uniforms Of The 90's
#5 Utah Jazz
This Jazz logo is back these days. However, the purple away threads with yellow Utah Jazz across the chest remains a very 1990’s look. The basketball embedded in the “J” brings the logo to new level. The home look was exactly the same , it just featured a white uniform. Jazz Legends that wore this include Karl Malone and John Stockton.
Photo: Otto Greule Jr. / Getty Images
#4 Orlando Magic
This was the original Magic look. The team’s first season was in 1989, and they wore the white pinstripe home, and black pinstripe aways until 1998. The team made it to their first Finals appearance, sporting this look in 1995. Magic legends who wore this include Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway.
Photo: All Sport / Getty Images
#3 Phoenix Suns
The Suns sported a similar design model to the Jazz with a prominent graphic wrapped around the chest. The Suns made the list for two reasons. First, this look was such an upgrade from the previous uniform design, which really bland. Second, it was synonymous with that infamous team that took the Chicago Bulls to six games in the 1993 Finals. Suns legends that wore this include Charles Barkley and Dan Majerle.
Photo: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport / Getty Images
#2 Seattle Supersonics
Oh wow. The green with the white Sonics ribbon and yellow numbers is as classic ’90s basketball as you can get. The green and yellow may also be the best color combination in NBA history. It just fit Seattle and even rock stars like Pearl Jam’s Jeff Ament wore these jerseys loud and proud. The Sonics should have never gone away from them in mid-’90s and Seattle should have never let the Sonics go. Supersonics legends who wore this include Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton.
Rick Stewart/Getty Images
#1 Charlotte Hornets
The teal and purple were just so out of the ordinary. When the Hornets came into the league in 1988 they immediately took the court marching to their own beat. They embraced the clip-art bumble bee. In contrast, both their home and away jersey only said “Charlotte” across the chest as opposed to “Hornets.” A more modern, upgraded look is what the team wears now. It slightly pays respect to their beyond entertaining teams of the ’90s. Hornets legends that wore this include Larry “Grandmama” Johnson and Alonzo Mourning.
Photo: Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images
