“They don’t expose Steph and the way he plays defense. I don’t think [my old, 1993-94 Phoenix Suns team] would have a problem with Golden State.” That’s what former Lakers and Suns forward Cedric Ceballos had to say about Stephen Curry—and he didn’t hold back. In a throwback take that recently resurfaced, the 11-year NBA vet compared eras and cast doubt on Curry’s ability to thrive defensively against the physicality of the ‘90s. While plenty of retired players have come to Curry’s defense over the years, Ceballos isn’t one of them.

Even more surprising? The 1992 Slam Dunk Champ suggested that Curry’s own teammates once asked him to switch up his game. That’s a bold claim—especially when we’re talking about a guy who’s revolutionized the sport with a blend of handles, movement, and range no one has ever seen before.

“I said something about Steph is an unbelievable shooter, but he wouldn’t get those shots against us. These guys are making $100,000 to $200,000, getting their teeth knocked out every fu—– play. Steph walks across half court and let one fly in halftime they whooping Steph’s a–. Because Steph is making $2 -3 million. He’s making $2 -3 million, aka Jon ‘Contract.'” Cedric Ceballos revealed on Byron Scott’s podcast.

Who is Jon Koncak? The contract he is referring to is the 6-year, $13 million deal the Atlanta Hawks gave to Koncak, a backup center who averaged 4.7 points per game the year before. Why was the former player disliked? In 1989, Michael Jordan signed an 8-year deal worth $25.7 million, thus making his average salary $3.2 million. Since a reserve player in Koncak earned similar to MJ, it caused the other players to feel they deserved that too even more than the Hawks Center.

Since money brings jealousy, Ceballos made the point that Stephen Curry would not have survived in the 80s/90s. “But I’m saying if he (Curry) crosses half court and let that fly, the locker room is going to be f—– up because they going to beat the s— out of him. Like, ‘Yo, I’m only making $100,000, I’m getting my teeth knocked out, I got to feed my family, too. I can’t feed my family with you shooting 50-footers. I can only feed my family if I knock somebody else tooth out or I get rebounds.‘”

As per the former Lakers star, the teammates won’t have enough plays to show their defensive abilities. Since Curry would shoot 3s, the amount to contest plays and be physical in the paint would reduce. Thus, the teammates, the league veterans, would have a problem with it. “Yeah. So, if I’m gonna lose my teeth for you, Steph, you gonna have to shoot a better percentage shot, bro. Bro, I don’t need no shots.’ But you better listen to Terry Cummings….And I’m not taking away nothing from Curry. It’s just the way we are taught.”

Stephen Curry has support from another Lakers legend

Many NBA players from the past often tend to discredit or downplay the work of the current stars in the league. Many people have said that Curry’s success is tied to the era he’s playing in, as the court is way more spaced out and the game is less physical than it was in the ’90s. However, Lakers legend Michael Cooper isn’t one of them.

Cooper also spoke on Byron Scott’s “Fast Break” Podcast, but that was last year. “LeBron is one without a doubt. I think [Nikola Jokic] could have played in the 80s, I think Embiid could have played in the 80s, I think with just his athleticism [Giannis Antetokounmpo] could have played. I think [Stephen Curry] could’ve played.”

Even though he seemed a little reluctant about Curry, he later declared that the 4x NBA Champions’ elite shooting and killer handles would make him effective in the 80s. On this debate, the Warriors superstar has already voiced his frustration. “It’s starting to get a little annoying just because it’s kind of unwarranted from across the board.”

Back in 2020, Magic Johnson gave Steph Curry his flowers in a conversation with Stephen A. Smith, saying, “We start with LeBron [James], then KD, Kevin Durant, no question… And I think Steph Curry could still shoot the way he’s shooting right now because I love watching Steph Curry play.” He added that Curry, along with LeBron and Durant, could absolutely thrive in his era of basketball.

Fast forward to just last month on ESPN’s Get Up, and Magic doubled down: “He’s one of the greatest of all time… He’s definitely on my dream team as the greatest that’s ever played this game.”

Considering Johnson played in one of the most physical eras in NBA history—defined by hand-checking and limited three-point shooting—his endorsement of Curry says a lot. Magic’s belief that Curry’s elite shooting, high basketball IQ, and ability to elevate teammates would translate across eras draws a strong parallel to the kind of impact Magic himself had in the ’80s and ’90s.