Richard Jefferson and Channing Frye have been having some interesting conversations on their podcast Road Trippin. Recently, in 2023, the two discussed what it takes to be the best in the world. Elaborating on the topic, Jefferson gave special mention to Stephen Curry, a player who left him in awe. Despite playing with The King, LeBron James, and winning an NBA Championship as a Cleveland Cavalier in 2016, RJ admits Steph, who hit a whopping 400 threes, was the best player in the world that year.
Jefferson was in the midst of discussing who could be the next big thing in the NBA when the topic of Steph came up. They tipped their hat to skilled players like the AIs and LeBrons of the world, and athletic freaks like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid. However, they acknowledged what Curry had done as well, and how the feats he accomplished in 2016, including his unanimous MVP, showed that he had gone above and beyond.
Richard Jefferson admits Stephen Curry was the best player in the world back in 2016
Recently, Richard Jefferson and company decided to give Stephen Curry his flowers on the Road Trippin podcast. Discussing the topic of the best players in the world, RJ divided it into groups of ‘the skilled’ and ‘the physically gifted’. However, of all the names mentioned, the one player who far exceeded expectations was Stephen Curry.
As Jefferson pointed out, this was especially true in 2016. The year that Steph not only hit 400 threes to set a new record, but he also became the first-ever unanimous MVP. This coupled with the fact that his shooting revolutionized the game, makes him one of the best in the world, as they announced.
According to Jefferson, the pinnacle of his prowess came in 2016, when he averaged a cool 30 points, six assists, five rebounds, and two steals per game. Admittedly, an incredible season from start to finish.
“It was 2016, he was the best player in the world. 2016, when he was f**king 400 threes. Coming off the MVP. Like, in that moment he was 10% above, and 20% above any shooting we had ever seen. No one had hit 300 threes, and he hit 400. Like f*ck!”
That being said, the former Baby-Faced Assassin was incapable of finishing the year with a bang. Playing with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers that year, Jefferson came face-to-face with Steph and the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 NBA Finals. In many’s eyes, the series was done after the Dubs took a 3-1 lead. However, the Cavs fought on and overturned it to win the chip. Perhaps the only blemish in an otherwise flawless season.
RJ believes Steph will win his fifth championship ring before he retires
Stephen Curry has already propelled himself into the category of “one of the greatest ever” thanks to his incredible performances. Add that to the fact that he now has four rings to his name along with a Finals MVP, and one might even say he is one of the top 10 players of all time. However, Richard Jefferson believes Steph is far from done.
He strongly believes that the three-point shooting specialist has another three or four more years as the No.1 player on a team. And, in that time, he will secure his fifth championship ring.
It’s hard not to agree with RJ, especially when it comes to suggesting that Chef Curry is one of the best in the world. Needless to say, LeBron James’ former teammate is right on the money when it comes to Steph. He is a special player and one who is more than capable of winning a fifth, perhaps even a sixth ring in the coming years.