The NBA GOAT debate mostly involves names like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant. However, Stephen A. Smith’s nephew recently made an addition to that list, naming Stephen Curry his GOAT.

Stephen A.'s nephew, Josh Smith, appeared in the April 19 episode of the DOUBL3 COVERAGE podcast, where his discussion with host Mystic Zac led him to reveal his GOAT. Instead of expected answers like Michael Jordan OR LeBron James, Josh took the name of Curry.

He said, “I got Steph ahead of Mike, and I don’t care who don’t like it or nothing. I’m dying on that…I got Steph as the GOAT. And I go off of, like, how you look. Steph looks like a mailman. He could be your gym teacher."

Josh also mentioned, "Whoever else you would have as the GOAT, it would be like, ‘Yo, you too tall to be doing this.’ Steph is a regular-looking person. He could be in this room engineering this podcast, and you wouldn’t think, ‘Yo, you should be in the NBA.”

Curry’s case, of course, isn’t without merit. He has transformed how the game is played at every level, making the three-point shot a central weapon rather than just an option. This influence is why fans are increasingly drawn towards Curry in the GOAT discussion.

However, Josh is far from being the only one who holds Curry in such high regard. His views are backed by one of the most renowned NBA legends.

Shaquille O'Neal Urges Stephen Curry's inclusion in the GOAT debate

The NBA icon, Shaquille O’Neal, shares Josh's views regarding Curry's GOAT status to a high degree. Observing the Warriors star's outstanding performances, Shaq urged the fans to start including Curry among the greatest ever, especially highlighting his influence on modern basketball.

Following Curry and the Warriors' victory over the Knicks on March 5, 2025, Shaq said, "I demand you fans start putting Steph Curry in the greatest-of-all-time conversation. Just start putting him in. I demand it."

Supporting Shaq’s statement, Draymond Green, Curry's teammate, also described how his style has reformed the game, forcing teams to implement defensive strategies around him. His growing legacy is becoming impossible to ignore.

And that is probably why Shaq also called Curry the GOAT once, during one of his interviews with Overtime.

So, while Josh has Shaq's support in labeling Curry the GOAT, would you also like to agree with this narrative?

Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Souvik Roy