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[Saba Sports News] Matt Barnes recently took part in a segment titled “King of the Hill: NBA Point Guard Edition,” where he evaluated current NBA point guards in head-to-head matchups. After careful consideration, Barnes crowned Stephen Curry as the “King,” emphasizing his unmatched greatness despite fierce competition and being 36 years old.
Barnes began the rankings by choosing Cade Cunningham over Jamal Murray, praising the Detroit Pistons’ young star for his recent performances and potential, even against Murray’s credentials as an NBA champion.
However, the segment soon showcased Barnes’ preference for elite two-way players, as he consistently favored Jrue Holiday over several high-profile guards, including Darius Garland, Damian Lillard, Tyrese Haliburton, and Kyrie Irving. Holiday’s defensive mastery, leadership, and ability to impact games beyond scoring were pivotal in Barnes’ reasoning.
As the focus shifted to younger, explosive guards, Barnes eventually swapped Holiday for Ja Morant. He highlighted Morant’s electrifying playstyle, athleticism, and game-changing ability, choosing him over LaMelo Ball, Trae Young, Tyrese Maxey, and MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Despite Morant’s off-court controversies and suspension, Barnes acknowledged his talent and knack for clutch performances.
When the final showdown came down to Morant versus Stephen Curry, Barnes didn’t hesitate to select Curry. Whether assessing “all-time” greatness or current form, Barnes saw Curry as the clear choice.
Curry’s enduring brilliance, even at 36, underscores his ability to dominate in a league filled with emerging talent. Barnes highlighted Curry’s consistency, leadership, and legendary shooting as factors that elevate him above the rest.
While acknowledging the influx of young stars, Barnes emphasized that Curry’s unique impact on the game transcends traditional metrics and solidifies his status as the NBA’s top point guard.
This season, Curry has continued to shine, averaging over 29 points per game while maintaining elite efficiency from beyond the arc. His leadership remains a cornerstone for the Golden State Warriors, who depend on him to stay competitive in the Western Conference. Despite the rise of young talents like Morant and Gilgeous-Alexander, Curry’s ability to control games and deliver in critical moments sets him apart.
For Barnes, the decision to crown Curry reflects the superstar’s enduring dominance. While young stars continue to redefine the future of the position, Curry’s championship pedigree, offensive brilliance, and unwavering leadership make him the benchmark in the NBA’s point guard hierarchy.
Even as younger players push the boundaries, Curry’s legacy as the King of NBA point guards remains firmly intact.