Denver Nuggets guard Reggie Jackson was recently interviewed by Sam Okaru, who asked the 2023 NBA Champion who the toughest covers in the league are. Unsurprisingly, Jackson quickly said Steph Curry.
“Steph,” Jackson said. “When he passes the ball and you’re ready to take a break, that’s when he really starts getting to it, so that’s what makes it tough. Great team, the pace that they play at, the shooting ability, his knowledge for the game makes it tough.”
Jackson also mentioned Damian Lillard as one of the most difficult covers in the league, citing his strength and craftiness. When speaking about Lillard and Curry, Jackson also mentioned their overall confidence and steadiness that make them so great.
Curry is regularly mentioned when NBA players are asked about their toughest covers, and they usually cite a lot of the same reasons. While Curry is known for his shooting and his range, opponents often cite his movement off the ball as what makes him so impossible to defend. A threat from anywhere on the court, Curry also never lets his defender rest, which is where his unmatched conditioning level comes into play.
Having faced Curry for years, Jackson knows the challenges he presents. The two faced off a lot back when Jackson was with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and again when Jackson was with the LA Clippers.