In a riveting appearance on the Dan Patrick Show, basketball legend Reggie Miller made waves by declaring Stephen Curry the greatest player ever under 6’5″. This bold statement sparked a lively discussion about the best small guards in NBA history, leaving fans buzzing with excitement.
Miller, a Hall of Famer, kicked off the segment by sharing his all-time team of players standing 6’2″ and under. He named iconic figures like Isiah Thomas, Allen Iverson, and John Stockton, ultimately landing on Thomas as his top pick. However, things took an intriguing turn when Patrick prompted him to consider the best player under 6’5″. After a moment of contemplation, Miller faced a tough choice between Dwyane Wade and Curry.
“No,” Miller quickly asserted when asked if he would choose Wade over Curry. “I’m going with Curry.” The conversation shifted as Patrick pressed Miller for any other contenders, but the love for Thomas lingered in the air.
When asked who he would prefer to start his team with, Miller confidently chose Curry. Yet, he acknowledged that if he were playing shooting guard, Thomas would be his guy. The two share similar styles, which led to an interesting point from Patrick about Miller potentially fitting into the role that Klay Thompson plays for the Warriors. “You’re right,” Miller admitted, but he remained steadfast in his choice of Curry.
Curry’s credentials certainly bolster Miller’s claim. The 38-year-old superstar boasts an impressive resume with four championships, a Finals MVP, two regular-season MVPs, and two scoring titles. Known as the greatest shooter in NBA history, Curry has even garnered support from fellow legends like Shaquille O’Neal, who believes he deserves a spot in the GOAT conversation. With an average of 26.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and more during the 2025-26 season, Curry shows no signs of slowing down as he aims for another championship.
As for the competition, Thomas and Wade are strong contenders for the next spots on the list. Thomas, a two-time champion with an MVP award and a title for assists, made 12 All-Star teams and five All-NBA selections. Wade, a three-time champion himself, also earned a Finals MVP and a scoring title, alongside 13 All-Star appearances and eight All-NBA selections.
Curry, Thomas, and Wade represent the elite group of smaller guards who have led their teams to glory. Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson is looking to carve his name alongside them, as his New York Knicks currently hold a 2-1 lead against the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 NBA Finals.
As the debate over the greatest small guards continues, who do you think deserves to be in the conversation?
