Kendrick Perkins is of the opinion that Stephen Curry should not have been named an All-Star in 2025.
Stephen Curry has been selected as a starter for the All-Star game once more, but Kendrick Perkins thinks he shouldn’t participate in this year’s event. During NBA Today, Perkins highlighted three contenders he believes are more worthy than Curry to receive All-Star honors in 2025.
“I see a player like Steph Curry making the All-Star game this season, and I notice many players like Kyrie Irving, Devin Booker, and De’Aaron Fox in this conference who have had better seasons or are performing better than him,” Perkins stated. “Listen, I’m going to say the unspoken thing aloud.” Steph Curry doesn’t deserve to be an All-Star. He ought not to.
“Listen, regardless of what the fans desire, regardless of what the coaches wish, regardless of who we want to witness, becoming an All-Star is a privilege that must be earned through your performance,” Perkins mentioned. “If you examine the production in the league, there are players in the Western Conference with superior stats compared to Steph, and their teams have more favorable standings than Steph’s.” So, I don’t understand, what? “Am I not telling the truth?”
Have players like Kyrie Irving, Devin Booker, and De’Aaron Fox had superior seasons compared to Curry? Alright, let’s take a look.
Stephen Curry’s stats for 2024-25: 22.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.4 blocks each game.
Kyrie Irving’s stats for the 2024-25 season: 24.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game.
Devin Booker’s stats for the 2024-25 season: 25.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.3 blocks on average per game.
De’Aaron Fox’s statistics for the 2024-25 season: 25.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.5 blocks each game.
Irving, Booker, and Fox are each averaging higher points and steals per game compared to Curry. Booker also has the advantage in assists, whereas Fox excels in rebounds. A comparison of the figures doesn’t support Curry’s argument.
Regarding team records, Curry’s Golden State Warriors hold a 24-23 record this season. Irving’s Dallas Mavericks stand at 26-23, Booker’s Phoenix Suns are at 24-22, while Fox’s Sacramento Kings have a record of 24-23. There’s not a lot to differentiate them in this case.
Taking all of that into account, one could indeed argue that Irving, Booker, and Fox are enjoying superior seasons compared to Curry. The issue, however, is that they were in a popularity contest, and it’s improbable to succeed against the Warriors’ superstar.
Curry placed second in fan voting for guards in the West, while Irving came in fourth, Booker was ninth, and Fox finished eighth. That by itself was sufficient to secure the two-time MVP in the final two, but there was additional context.
Curry also placed second in both media and player voting, ensuring his role as a starter for the 10th time. Regardless of your opinion on his worthiness, the three distinct groups that counted believed he was deserving, and that’s all there is to it.
The sole inquiry remaining is which team Curry will be part of during the game. The NBA has, naturally, altered the format this year, and the 24 All-Stars will be divided into three teams. Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith will select the teams for the NBA All-Star Draft, which is scheduled for February 6, 2025. Additionally, a component of the game would involve the victorious team from the Rising Stars Challenge.
