When Oscar Robertson Criticized Modern Basketball and Stephen Curry: “If You Can Dunk or Make a Three-Point Shot, You’re the Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread”
Oscar Robertson, one of the greatest players in NBA history, has never been shy about sharing his opinions. Known as “The Big O,” Robertson revolutionized basketball during his career with his incredible versatility, becoming the first player to average a triple-double for an entire season. While his legacy remains unmatched, he has occasionally taken aim at the direction of modern basketball.
In one of his most pointed critiques, Robertson dismissed the current state of the NBA as overly focused on flashy dunks and three-point shooting. He even singled out Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors superstar who is widely regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history, questioning the league’s tendency to elevate players based on specific skill sets. Robertson remarked, “If you can dunk or make a three-point shot, you’re the greatest thing since sliced bread.”
Oscar Robertson’s Take on Modern Basketball
Robertson’s comments reflect his skepticism about the NBA’s shift towards an offense-heavy, perimeter-focused style of play. The modern game is characterized by an unprecedented reliance on three-point shooting and athleticism, a stark contrast to the more balanced, fundamentals-driven basketball of Robertson’s era.
Robertson’s critique suggests that the league has overemphasized individual highlight-reel plays, like deep three-pointers or powerful dunks, at the expense of traditional basketball skills such as mid-range shooting, post play, and team defense.
During his career, Robertson excelled in every facet of the game, averaging 25.7 points, 9.5 assists, and 7.5 rebounds per game over 14 seasons. He prided himself on being a complete player, and his style of play reflected the discipline and all-around excellence that defined basketball in the 1960s and 1970s.
A Veiled Swipe at Stephen Curry
While Robertson didn’t explicitly disparage Stephen Curry’s skills, his comment came across as a critique of Curry’s influence on the modern game. Curry’s three-point shooting has revolutionized basketball, with teams across the league now prioritizing three-point attempts at unprecedented rates.
Curry’s ability to pull up from beyond the arc and hit shots with extraordinary accuracy has made him a transformative figure. However, for critics like Robertson, this has also led to a perceived decline in basketball fundamentals, with teams and players increasingly prioritizing shooting over other aspects of the game.
In the same critique, Robertson implied that teams defending Curry and the Warriors were not doing enough to adjust, saying, “Why don’t they try to guard him closer? The coaches have got to wake up.”
Defending Curry’s Legacy
Fans and analysts were quick to come to Curry’s defense following Robertson’s comments. Many argued that Curry’s skill set, particularly his shooting, handles, and basketball IQ, has added depth to the game rather than simplifying it.
NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith weighed in, saying: “Stephen Curry didn’t ruin the game; he elevated it. The way he shoots, the way he moves without the ball—that takes an incredible amount of skill and work.”
Furthermore, Curry’s teammates and coaches have often highlighted how his presence improves team dynamics. Head coach Steve Kerr once remarked, “Steph makes everyone around him better. His unselfishness and gravity open up the floor for others.”
Comparing Eras: A Battle of Philosophies
Robertson’s criticism underscores the stark differences between basketball in his era and today.
The 1960s and 1970s:
The game was slower-paced, with a focus on ball movement, inside scoring, and physicality. Players were expected to excel in multiple areas, and the three-point line didn’t exist until the late 1970s.
Today’s NBA:
Modern basketball prioritizes pace, space, and perimeter shooting. Analytics-driven strategies have shown the value of three-point attempts over mid-range shots, and the league’s rules favor offensive players, encouraging high-scoring games.
For Robertson, the evolution towards specialization—where players are celebrated primarily for shooting or athleticism—may feel like a departure from the well-rounded basketball he championed.
Fans React: Divided Opinions
Robertson’s remarks sparked a heated debate among fans:
Support for Robertson:
Some fans agreed that modern basketball has become too reliant on three-point shooting. One Twitter user commented, “Oscar Robertson is right. The NBA today is all about stats and flash. Where’s the balance?”
Defense of Modern Players:
Others argued that the evolution of basketball has made the game more exciting and skill-based. “Steph Curry didn’t ruin basketball. He mastered it and forced everyone else to catch up,” wrote one fan.
Curry’s Response: A Quiet Confidence
While Stephen Curry has rarely responded directly to critics, his play on the court speaks volumes. Curry has proven time and again that his skills are not limited to shooting. His ball-handling, passing, and leadership have made him one of the most complete guards in NBA history.
Curry also showed his adaptability during the Warriors’ 2022 championship run, where he added more physicality to his game and dominated in clutch moments, silencing critics who doubted his ability to succeed under pressure.
The Bigger Picture: Evolving Perspectives
Oscar Robertson’s critique of modern basketball and Stephen Curry is part of a broader conversation about how the game has changed over the years. While some lament the loss of certain traditional aspects, others celebrate the creativity and innovation that players like Curry bring to the sport.
In the end, both Robertson and Curry are legends in their own right, representing two distinct eras of basketball. Robertson’s dominance laid the groundwork for players to push the boundaries of what’s possible, and Curry’s revolution is simply the next chapter in the NBA’s evolution.
Conclusion
Oscar Robertson’s pointed remarks about modern basketball and Stephen Curry highlight the ongoing clash between traditionalists and fans of the modern game. While Robertson’s frustration with the current state of the NBA is understandable, it’s hard to deny the brilliance and influence of players like Curry.
As the league continues to evolve, the debate about the “right way” to play basketball will undoubtedly persist. Yet, whether it’s the all-around excellence of Robertson or the revolutionary shooting of Curry, each era leaves its mark, shaping the game for generations to come.
