Former NBA champion Jeff Teague knows what it’s like to face both Kyrie Irving and Steph Curry in their primes.
If he had to pick one matchup, he’s clear on which he’d rather deal with.
“They’re both tough covers, but I’d rather guard Kyrie [Irving],” Teague said on his Club 520 Podcast. “At least you know where Kyrie’s going to be. You going to catch him right at that pass, wherever he’s going to be at in ISO. You look one way, Steph takes off the other. And then you got to catch up. He just causes too much havoc once he moves.”
Teague, who played 12 seasons in the league, explained that Curry’s nonstop energy is unlike anything he’s ever seen.
“Steph is constantly moving, hitting through screens,” he continued. “You’re scared of him hitting a 3, so you don’t want to go out there, but you’ve got to be locked in for sure.”
What makes Teague’s comparison interesting is that Irving is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous one-on-one players in basketball.
His ball handling, step-back jumper and finishing ability are considered second to none. Yet even with that in mind, Teague stood firm in his assessment.
“It’s harder to guard those players because you have to go around so many screens,” Teague said. “You always constantly getting screened and hit. ISO players, it’s just you and him.”
Defending Irving may leave a player stranded on an island, but defending Curry often feels like running through a maze of screens only to watch him launch a shot in rhythm.
In the end, Teague summed it up best: defending Curry means chasing shadows, while defending Irving means bracing yourself for isolation. Either way, it’s a nightmare matchup for anyone.
READ MORE: Ex-NBA Star Shawn Kemp Sentenced After 2023 Shooting