Stephen Curry’s New Sports Movie Makes His GOAT Argument

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The debate over who is the “Greatest Of All Time” (GOAT) has been a constant in sports for years, but it’s become even more popular recently – so much so that it inspired a series here at ScreenRant. While every sport has these discussions, the NBA seems to generate the most passionate arguments.

When people debate the greatest athletes of all time, championships are often the most important thing they look at. That’s why Michael Jordan is so widely considered the best basketball player ever – he won six championships and never lost in the NBA Finals. Now, players like LeBron James and Stephen Curry are trying to win even more championships to challenge Jordan’s legacy.

The focus on championships above all else—often called “ring culture”—has become dominant in sports, where individual achievements are sometimes overshadowed if a player hasn’t won a title. LeBron James, who sparked many current debates about the greatest of all time, has spoken out against this mindset before. However, Stephen Curry, also a four-time NBA champion, hasn’t publicly shared his opinion on the topic.

However, his latest sports film, GOAT (which he produced and also voices a character in), directly tackles the ongoing debate about who the greatest of all time is. I was surprised by the film’s strong emphasis on championship rings as the ultimate measure of greatness, as it essentially argues that Stephen Curry deserves that title.

What Stephen Curry’s Movie Says About Championships In The GOAT Conversation

The new animated movie playfully explores the question of who the greatest of all time is, using the character of Jett Fillmore, a famous roarball player. Fillmore is a hugely successful individual athlete – he’s won multiple MVP awards – but his team, the Vineland Thorns, have never won the league championship, known as The Claw.

Given Steph Curry’s significant role in the making of the film, it was noticeable when characters debated whether Jett could be considered one of the greatest of all time, specifically bringing up her lack of championship rings. The movie doesn’t take a clear position, but it’s clear the filmmakers were thinking about the importance of championships in defining greatness.

Stephen Curry’s multiple championships with the Golden State Warriors (2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022) have solidified his status as one of basketball’s all-time greats. However, some argue that winning isn’t the only thing that defines a player’s legacy.

Most people in Vineland, including Will, consider Jett to be one of the all-time greats, despite never winning a championship. Her influence on the fans, the city, and the sport itself is the reason why. Even with Mane Attraction going for his third championship, it’s clear that titles don’t necessarily make him better than Jett.

The film essentially makes the case that when deciding who the greatest of all time is, everything should be considered – not just championships. This includes a player’s career length, personal achievements, how well their team performed, their influence on the sport and culture, their loyalty, and what they’ll be remembered for. Even though the movie eventually shows Jett winning a championship, it still emphasizes that championships aren’t the only thing that matters, a point Curry clearly wants to get across.

Goat Becomes An Argument For Stephen Curry To Be Basketball’s GOAT

Faye’s Vision/Cover Images

GOAT is a genuinely enjoyable animated film with plenty of laughs, thrilling challenges, and beautiful visuals. However, I found myself constantly connecting the movie’s themes – particularly those around championships, being the greatest, and lasting impact – to the career of Stephen Curry. Ultimately, the film feels like a strong argument for why Curry deserves to be considered one of the all-time greats.

As a huge Curry fan, I always feel like people underestimate his legacy. When you look at championships, though, he really stacks up against the all-time greats. He’s won the same number of titles as LeBron and Shaq! He’s only one behind legends like Kobe, Magic, and Tim Duncan, and just two behind Michael Jordan and Kareem. And it’s not like he just got lucky a couple of times – he’s been to the NBA Finals six times overall, including an incredible run of five straight Finals appearances from 2015 to 2019.

Stephen Curry’s NBA Finals Record
Year Opponent Result
2015 Cleveland Cavaliers Won the series 4-2
2016 Cleveland Cavaliers Lost the series 3-4
2017 Cleveland Cavaliers Won the series 4-1
2018 Cleveland Cavaliers Won the series 4-0
2019 Toronto Raptors Lost the series 2-4
2022 Boston Celtics Won the series 4-2

With four championships, two MVP awards, twelve All-Star selections, and as the NBA’s all-time leader in three-pointers made, his achievements compare favorably to any player. However, when you consider everything he brings to the game, Stephen Curry’s claim as the greatest of all time becomes even stronger.

As a fan, I’ve always been amazed by Curry. He might not be the biggest guard out there, but his loyalty to his team is clear. And honestly, he’s changed the game! He’s a once-in-a-generation shooter – those deep threes are incredible, and everyone copies his celebrations now. You can already see his influence everywhere, from high school courts to the pros, and I think it’s going to keep growing for years to come.

The story quickly highlights Curry’s influence on basketball, showing it through the character Will, not Jett. Young Will becomes a popular player known for his excellent long-range shooting, proving that players of any size could excel at Roarball. Similar to how Will inspires other smaller players to join the sport, Curry was a key figure in the rise of the three-point shot that has transformed today’s basketball.

Jett represents how much the Warriors fanbase and the city adore Curry. Curry has spent his entire career with the Golden State Warriors, and he’s expected to finish it there. Just like Jett will always be a favorite in Vineland, Curry will forever have the unwavering support of Warriors fans, and his jersey number 30 will undoubtedly be retired when he stops playing.

Even if Stephen Curry doesn’t win any more championships, his four titles, consistent individual and team achievements, and his 16+ years as the leader of his team and city should really make people consider him among the greatest of all time. The way being considered the “GOAT” drives attention might even push him into that conversation more often. It’s possible he could ultimately be seen as the greatest player ever.

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2026-02-19 02:00