Michael Jordan set the bar very high when it came to being a basketball player. Before Jordan, the league was known for many things besides games. However, when Jordan entered the league, he changed the way young people walked and made them want to become basketball players.
Former player Gilbert Arenas compared Stephen Curry’s impact on basketball to Jordan. He said that while Curry is the figure that players still think they can be, Jordan is an almost god-like figure. The Washington Wizards star said the Chicago Bulls legend makes people want to be a basketball player.
“Everyone thinks they can be Steph, but everyone wants to be Jordan… Michael Jordan wanted us and made us want to be basketball players. We knew we were going to be killed or beaten because of his shoes, but we went out Risking your life no matter what,” Arenas said.
“The reason shoes are being sold online is because of Michael Jordan… when we’re just talking about the whole thing, like Michael Jordan is the standard for what it means to be an NBA player.” Arenas said at Gil Arena.
While Arenas may be right that Jordan set the bar so high that players dreamed of being like him, Curry’s impact on the modern game is unprecedented. The impact of his long three-point shooting changed the game and the way it is played today. Curry single-handedly took the game from the paint to the perimeter.
Michael Jordan remains a god-like figure to fans and players alike. He globalized the NBA and his larger-than-life personality had an unprecedented impact. Yet Curry has had as much impact on basketball as any player in league history.
Gilbert Arenas owns 2-0 undefeated record against Michael Jordan
Gilbert Arenas never played against Michael Jordan when he was with the Bulls. However, he met Jordan when he was playing for the Washington Wizards for two years. In 2003, the six-time NBA champion’s final season with the Wizards, Arenas and the Warriors faced the Wizards twice.
Arenas said he scored 41 points on Jordan and the Wizards. He made 15 of 23 shots from the field and took the game away from the Wizards. When asked about his record against Jordan, Arenas was quick to point to that 2003 game.
“I scored 41 points… I think Antoine and I still hold the record for most points scored by a duo against the Washington Wizards. I did 41, he did 39, and you know later it was right there. This That’s what I get paid for. They saw what I did to Jordan,” Arenas said at Gill Arena.
Arenas hilariously pointed out that he is the only one who is undefeated against Jordan, skipping Jordan Brand. Arenas then signed a six-year/$65 million offer with the Wizards and then a six-year/$111 million offer with the same team.