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  • “If you’re here to make money, it’s the wrong place”: Tim Cone emphasizes pride over pay for Gilas Pilipinas

    “If you’re here to make money, it’s the wrong place”: Tim Cone emphasizes pride over pay for Gilas Pilipinas

    Few coaches in Philippine basketball history can match the sustained excellence of Tim Cone, whose 25 championships have cemented his status as arguably the greatest bench tactician the Philippine Basketball Association has ever seen.

     

    Over a decorated career spanning decades, Cone built dynasties, shaped generations of stars, and mastered the nuances of the pro game. But beyond his domestic success, the American mentor has also embraced the responsibility of steering the national team. Now back at the helm of Gilas Pilipinas following the conclusion of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Cone is once again tasked with guiding the Philippines through the rigors of international competition.

     

    In a recent appearance on the Power and Play sports program, the 68-year-old coach offered insight into the culture he is determined to instill — one rooted not in financial incentives, but in national pride.

     

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    Cone revealed that from the very first team meeting, he made the program’s philosophy unmistakably clear.

     

    “We had a program from Day 1; we had it very clear to everyone, in our first Zoom meeting when we brought the original 12 guys, there is not gonna be anybody who’s gonna be making more money than somebody else, but whatever was going to be given, it was really, ‘take it or leave it,’” Cone said.

     

    The message, he explained, was deliberate and uncompromising: representing the country comes before personal gain.

     

    “Whether you join or not, it was just a philosophy that if you’re here with this group, with Gilas, if you’re there because you want to make money or a big salary whatever, it’s a wrong place for you to be,” he added.

    Cone emphasized that the privilege of wearing the Philippine jersey should be motivation enough — a belief he considers fundamental to building a cohesive and selfless national squad.

     

    “If you want to take pride, walk around the city and be able to see your family and say, ‘I will be one of the 12 guys that can say you’re on the national team,’ this is the place you wanna be in. But if you are there to make fabulous salaries, that ain’t gonna happen. We are gonna treat everybody equal. That’s what we are stuck to,” Cone continued.

     

    For Cone, equality and shared purpose form the backbone of sustained success. His approach mirrors the discipline and clarity that defined his championship runs in the PBA — clear roles, collective sacrifice, and an unwavering standard of accountability.

     

    Now, the challenge shifts to the international stage.

     

    Cone’s long-term objective is clear: secure qualification for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup and ultimately earn a berth in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles — a stage the Philippines has not graced in men’s basketball in decades. Achieving that goal will require consistency, depth, and resilience as Gilas navigates the grueling qualification windows.

     

    The immediate test comes in the second window of the FIBA qualifiers, where the Philippines will face formidable opposition. Gilas opens against New Zealand men’s national basketball team on Thursday, February 28, before squaring off with the Australia men’s national basketball team on Sunday, March 1 — two marquee matchups that could significantly influence the trajectory of their campaign.

     

    Both New Zealand and Australia bring physicality, international experience, and disciplined systems — precisely the kind of opposition that will test Cone’s structure and the players’ commitment to his philosophy. Maintaining their unbeaten record will demand poise in hostile environments, crisp execution on both ends of the floor, and leadership in pressure moments.

     

    For Cone, however, the blueprint remains simple: build a team that plays for the flag first.

    If Gilas can translate that collective pride into disciplined performances on the hardwood, the road to 2027 — and perhaps Los Angeles in 2028 — becomes clearer.

     

     

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  • San Miguel Beermen form twin-tower frontcourt with Marcus Lee for Commissioner’s Cup title push

    San Miguel Beermen form twin-tower frontcourt with Marcus Lee for Commissioner’s Cup title push

    Fresh off another championship run, San Miguel Beer is already reshaping its roster blueprint—this time by strengthening the paint.

     

    The Beermen have tapped former University of Kentucky standout Marcus Lee as their import for the Commissioner’s Cup, signaling a clear shift toward size and interior dominance as they chase a rare conference double.

     

    Lee, 31, brings a 6-foot-11 frame that pairs naturally with nine-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, forming what could be one of the most imposing frontcourts in the upcoming conference.

    Team manager Gee Abanilla confirmed the development.

     

    “Yes, he is. Dumating na siya kaninang umaga,” said Abanilla on Monday.

    Lee arrived just as San Miguel resumed practices following its successful title retention in the Philippine Cup under the Philippine Basketball Association calendar.

     

    Lee’s basketball journey has been shaped by both elite collegiate competition and extensive international exposure.

     

    During his early college years at Kentucky, he shared the court with future NBA standouts Karl-Anthony Towns, Julius Randle, Trey Lyles, and Willie Cauley-Stein—a roster stacked with size and athleticism that mirrors the role he is expected to fill in San Miguel.

     

    He later completed his collegiate career at the University of California, before entering the professional ranks.

     

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    Although undrafted in the National Basketball Association in 2018, Lee carved out a steady professional path through the G League and multiple overseas leagues, including stops in Europe, Puerto Rico, and Australia.

     

    His most recent stint came with the Cairns Taipans in the National Basketball League, where he showcased the mobility and rim protection that made him an attractive fit for San Miguel’s system.

     

    San Miguel’s import selection also reflects continuity. The franchise last captured the mid-season conference crown in Season 48 behind the strong inside-out presence of Bennie Boatwright.

    Now, with Fajardo anchoring the paint and Lee adding athletic length, the Beermen appear intent on doubling down on their interior identity.

     

    The team enters the Commissioner’s Cup with momentum after defeating the TNT Tropang 5G in six games to retain the Philippine Cup championship—an achievement that further strengthens expectations for another deep run.

     

    Instead of rebuilding after a title, San Miguel is reinforcing it—turning size, experience, and championship rhythm into its next competitive edge.

     

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  • Andreas Cahilig locks-in as San Miguel Beermen secure him on two-year deal

    Andreas Cahilig locks-in as San Miguel Beermen secure him on two-year deal

    In a roster filled with star players, Andreas Cahilig has built his reputation on something less flashy but equally vital dependability. That reliability has just earned him two more years in red and white.

     

    The Filipino-Swedish 6-foot-5 forward signed a two-year contract with the San Miguel Beermen, reinforcing his place in a championship core that has ruled the PBA Philippine Cup.

     

    Cahilig’s journey with San Miguel hasn’t been about headlines or highlight reels. It’s been about timing, toughness, and fitting into a system built to win. Acquired in a game-changing trade with Terrafirma nearly two years ago.

     

    He became an immediate piece of the Beermen’s rotation, helping the team reclaim the All-Filipino crown last season. When San Miguel repeated this year — turning back TNT in six games, Cahilig once again played his part in the grind.

     

    For a player who once fought for minutes as a second-round pick in the 2016 draft, the extension signals more than job security, it’s validation.

     

    Cahilig’s path wasn’t linear. Drafted by NorthPort but finding his real opportunity during a six-year stint with Terrafirma, he developed into a dependable two-way presence. 

     

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    That growth caught San Miguel’s attention, ultimately leading to the high-profile swap that sent him and Juami Tiongson to the Beermen in exchange for Terrence Romeo and Vic Manuel before Season 49’s Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    Now entrenched in a loaded frontcourt alongside Mo Tautuaa, Rodney Brondial, JM Calma, and nine-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, Cahilig has carved out his niche doing the little things that keep championship engines running.

     

    During Monday’s signing, team governor Robert Non and manager Gee Abanilla stood alongside Cahilig and his agent Charlie Dy of VP Global Athlete and Artist Management, a scene that underscored mutual trust between player and franchise.

     

    Later, Cahilig took to social media to express his gratitude. 

     

    “Big thanks to Boss Robert, Boss Gee, and Boss Alfrancis (Chua) for the chance to keep competing with SMB,” he said, while also thanking Dy for guiding him throughout his professional career.

     

    In a dynasty defined by star power, Cahilig represents something just as important — the steady climb of a role player who keeps showing up when championships are on the line.

     

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  • Tim Cone praises Justine Baltazar’s versatility ahead of crucial qualifiers for Gilas Pilipinas

    Tim Cone praises Justine Baltazar’s versatility ahead of crucial qualifiers for Gilas Pilipinas

    The second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers is fast approaching, and Gilas Pilipinas aims to build on an impressive start as it continues its quest for a place in the tournament proper.

     

    The Philippines opened its Group A campaign in dominant fashion during the first window, sweeping its assignments to remain unbeaten. But the road only gets tougher from here. Awaiting Gilas in the next set of fixtures are Oceania heavyweights — the Australia national basketball team and the New Zealand national basketball team — two programs with size, depth, and international pedigree.

     

    Among the players looking to make a significant impact is center Justine Baltazar, who has rejoined the national team after a three-year absence. The 29-year-old big man was added to bolster Gilas’ interior presence, and head coach Tim Cone believes Baltazar’s size and versatility could provide a valuable boost.

     

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    “He has great size, he has great talent, he has great versatility. That is exactly what we are looking for in the national team — the ability to be a player that can do various things,” Cone said during an appearance on Power & Play. “He can step out, he can step in, he can take on a mismatch, he can block shots around the basket, he’s a dynamic rebounder. He just has a lot of versatility, so that’s what we are looking for.”

    Cone acknowledged that Baltazar is still adjusting to the national team’s system, particularly on the defensive end, but expressed confidence that the learning curve will be temporary.

     

    “The only thing he lacks — just like with Juan Gomez de Liano in our last window — is the depth of knowledge in terms of our system,” Cone explained. “Offensively, but even more so defensively, that’s really his only weakness point.

     

    “So once he gets that idea, he is going to be an extremely important piece. This is a great training ground for him right now, this window and going forward. He’s been playing well and he’s excited — you can see it in the way he practices.

     

    “He’s not afraid. He goes up against everybody. He’s not afraid to guard Justin Brownlee. He’s not afraid to go up against June Mar Fajardo or AJ Edu. He’s his own man — he’s really impressive.”

     

    Gilas opens the second window against New Zealand on Thursday, February 28, before facing Australia on Sunday, March 1 — two marquee matchups that could significantly shape the trajectory of its qualification campaign.

     

    With heightened competition, key roster adjustments, and national pride on the line, the Philippines will need poise, execution, and leadership to protect its unbeaten record and strengthen its push toward the 2027 FIBA World Cup.

     

     

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  • 2026 PBA Draft top pick Geo Chiu embraces rebuild role as Terrafirma prepares for Commissioner’s Cup

    2026 PBA Draft top pick Geo Chiu embraces rebuild role as Terrafirma prepares for Commissioner’s Cup

    Fresh from a championship run but stepping into a completely different challenge, Geo Chiu is entering the next phase of his basketball journey with measured optimism as he prepares for his debut in the Philippine Basketball Association Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    The 6-foot-10 rookie will suit up for the Terrafirma Dyip for the first time after completing his commitments with the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, where he helped power the Abra Weavers to their first-ever title. From leading a championship squad to joining a franchise trying to escape the bottom of the standings, Chiu understands that the transition will test both his mindset and development. 

     

    Instead of dwelling on the contrast, the No. 1 overall pick is choosing to view the situation as an opportunity for growth.

     

    When asked about the adjustment from playing for a winning MPBL squad to joining a rebuilding PBA team, Chiu said, “Ako naman po, ineenjoy ko naman po (na nasa PBA ako). Like what you said, our team, we’re struggling. Pero siguro for me, I see it in a positive way naman. Since we are struggling, there’s so much room for improvement and for us to get better.”

     

    “Hindi naman po namin siya ni-rurush. We just take it one game at a time, one practice at a time. And I can see naman na the team is really working. So hopefully, itong season po, mawala na po ‘yung stigma na puro kami sa baba.”

     

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    Chiu’s arrival comes with expectations, not only because he was the top selection in the draft but also due to his defensive presence developed during his collegiate run with the Ateneo Blue Eagles. However, the rookie admits that his role with Terrafirma is already larger than what he previously handled.

     

    “’Yung role ko naman po, mainly is just to defend, get rebounds. ‘Yung offense naman po, parang bonus lang po ‘yun. But I’m working on it. ‘Yung role ko dito, medyo malaki nga po siya than what I’m used to but ‘yung mga coaches ko naman po, they really help me a lot. They just help me change my mindset. And so far naman, they’ve been helping me so much. I just need to gain more confidence na po talaga,” said Chiu.

     

    Early tune-up games have already provided a glimpse of the level of competition awaiting him. Chiu logged minutes against the Converge FiberXers and later faced the physical frontline of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, experiences that highlighted the gap between collegiate and professional play.

     

    While his performances were respectable, the rookie big man believes those outings reinforced the need for further development, particularly in strength and consistency against elite competition.

     

    “Ako naman po, nakikita ko na mayroong pang kailangan i-work on sa sarili ko. Siyempre ‘yung mga nakakalaban po natin dito sa PBA, the best of the best… They are really dominant. So ako, I have to work on myself to get stronger.

     

    “Everything, so far good naman po kasi positive naman po siya. I get to see what I need to work on,” said Chiu.

     

    For Chiu, the Commissioner’s Cup will not just be about statistics or immediate results—it will be about helping reshape a team identity while carving out his own place in the league. Coming from a championship environment, he now carries that experience into a franchise hoping to build one of its own.

     

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  • Stanley Pringle to miss first two months of Commissioner’s Cup after knee surgery 

    Stanley Pringle to miss first two months of Commissioner’s Cup after knee surgery 

    Rain or Shine will begin its campaign in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup without one of its veteran backcourt leaders, as Stanley Pringle shifts his focus from competition to recovery.

     

    The high-scoring guard is expected to miss the first two months of the conference after undergoing surgery to address a lingering right lateral meniscus tear—an injury that quietly affected his rhythm during the previous Philippine Cup.

     

    Head coach Yeng Guiao revealed that the issue traced back to a preseason game, forcing the team to carefully manage Pringle’s minutes throughout the all-Filipino tournament before the veteran eventually opted for surgery during the offseason.

     

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    Pringle is currently in the early phase of a projected three-month recovery timeline. He has been seen moving with crutches and has not participated in the Elasto Painters’ recent tune-up matches, underscoring the team’s cautious approach to his rehabilitation.

     

    “Makakabalik siya in three months (after surgery). Halos nakaisang buwan na siya,”  Guiao said.

     

    “Siguro by April, makakabalik siya. Siguro in the middle of the eliminations.” The Rain or Shine head coach added. 

     

    The injury limited Pringle’s overall impact in his first conference with Rain or Shine, where he appeared in just four games and averaged 5.5 points and 2.3 assists. While the numbers reflected a reduced role, the coaching staff believes a full recovery could help the 38-year-old rediscover his offensive spark and veteran presence.

     

    For now, Rain or Shine’s early conference storyline centers on depth and adjustment, as the team navigates the opening stretch without one of its most experienced guards while waiting for Pringle’s return to stabilize the rotation.

     

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  • Barangay Ginebra gets frontcourt boost with Isaac Go’s comeback

    Barangay Ginebra gets frontcourt boost with Isaac Go’s comeback

    In a Commissioner’s Cup where towering imports often dictate matchups, the Kings chose familiarity over height, bringing back Justin Brownlee despite the absence of a size limit. 

     

    Brownlee has built a legacy in red and white, but at 6-foot-6, he will once again look up at many of his fellow reinforcements across the league. This time, however, he won’t be standing alone underneath.

     

    After more than a year of rehabilitation, Isaac Go is finally set to make his long-awaited debut for Ginebra — not as a headline-grabbing acquisition, but as a structural solution. The 6’7 big man gives the Kings something they quietly missed, reliable size to withstand the nightly pounding inside. Coach Tim Cone confirmed the development as the team gears up for the conference grind.

     

    “We got Isaac Go coming back. We have an extra big along with our other two bigs,” said the Ginebra mentor, referring to veterans Japeth Aguilar and Troy Rosario. “So we’ll have a three-headed monster to try to contain these big other imports.”

     

    “Three-headed monster” hints at a tactical shift. Rather than asking Aguilar to anchor extended minutes or forcing Rosario to battle heavier counterparts possession after possession, Ginebra can now rotate length, preserve energy, and deploy size situationally. 

     

    In a tournament built around dominant imports, depth up front could spell the difference between surviving and advancing.

     

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    Go’s journey to this point has unfolded almost in silence. Acquired in a trade with Terrafirma alongside Stephen Holt in exchange for Stanley Pringle and Christian Standhardinger, the former Ateneo standout has yet to play a single game for the Kings. 

     

    In the time it took for his ACL to heal, Ginebra reached two finals, roster pieces moved on, and the league’s competitive balance shifted. Now, the timeline finally catches up with him.

     

    Ginebra deputy Olsen Racela shared that Go has already rejoined team drills, inching closer to full clearance.

     

    “May isang clearance na lang which would come within the week. Once may go-signal na, puwede na siyang sumali sa scrimmages,” Racela said.

     

    With Cone currently attending to national team duties with Gilas Pilipinas during the FIBA window, Racela and fellow assistant Johnny Abarrientos have overseen practices — integrating Go carefully, deliberately, and with long-term durability in mind.

     

    For Ginebra, this isn’t just about adding a player back into the rotation. It’s about restoring balance to a roster that chose heart and continuity over sheer height. Brownlee will still give up inches on most nights. That reality won’t change.

     

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  • Charles Tiu sets modest playoff goal as Phoenix prepares for PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    Charles Tiu sets modest playoff goal as Phoenix prepares for PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) shifts its spotlight to the 2026 Commissioner’s Cup beginning March 11, with TNT Tropang Giga returning as the defending champions and early favorites to repeat. As the league’s mid-season conference approaches, storylines are beginning to take shape — and one of the most intriguing narratives centers on the rebuilding bid of the Phoenix Fuel Masters under new head coach Charles Tiu.

     

    After missing the playoffs in five consecutive conferences, Phoenix enters the tournament with renewed optimism and a fresh voice at the helm. Tiu, who will be handling his first conference with the franchise, understands both the urgency and the patience required in turning the team into a contender.

     

    His objectives are grounded, but clear.

     

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    “The modest goal would be to make the playoffs first. They haven’t made the playoffs in five conferences. So that’s the first step, kahit maka-quarters muna. Then let’s see. We will build by then,” Tiu said in a media interaction.

     

    For a franchise eager to regain relevance, simply breaking into the quarterfinals would mark meaningful progress. Yet Tiu is not shying away from bigger aspirations — he is simply choosing a methodical path toward them.

    “Siyempre, our dream is to win a championship. Any coach would want that. But I think we have to start building slowly, make the quarters, and maybe make the semis. But that would be the first goal, to try to make the playoffs,” he added.

     

    Phoenix will lean on a youthful core as it attempts to snap its postseason drought. Among the key figures is forward Jason Perkins, one of the few remaining players from the Fuel Masters squad that last reached the playoffs during the 2023-24 Commissioner’s Cup. That campaign saw Phoenix make a spirited run to the semifinals behind the reinforcement of import Johnathan Williams — a benchmark the current roster hopes to replicate or surpass.

     

    While the team remains a work in progress, Tiu has expressed confidence in the talent and experience within his lineup. Despite the youth movement, he believes the group possesses enough maturity and coaching foundation to adapt to his system.

     

    “To me, a lot of these guys are experienced. They also came from good coaches. So it’s just about playing the way that I want and playing the right way for us. I’m enjoying the team so far, to be honest. I like the way we have been practicing, we have been playing. Pero so far, I think the team is gelling well. Obviously, it’s just a preseason so it’s too early to tell. A lot of positives for me. Hopefully, we can continue to build in the season,” Tiu concluded.

     

    Training camp has reportedly been competitive and detail-oriented, with emphasis on defensive discipline and ball movement — hallmarks of Tiu’s coaching philosophy. The early returns have been encouraging, but as the first tip-off approaches, the real test will come against battle-tested PBA opponents.

     

    For Phoenix, the mission is straightforward: take the first step back into contention. In a conference where expectations range from title defenses to rebuilds, the Fuel Masters are positioning themselves somewhere in between — not yet contenders, but no longer content with simply participating.

     

    With a new coach, a developing core, and a clearly defined short-term goal, Phoenix enters the 2026 Commissioner’s Cup determined to turn incremental growth into tangible results. Whether that translates into a long-awaited playoff return will unfold beginning March 11.

     

     

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  • Mike Phillips cleared as local by FIBA, boosts Gilas depth for future campaigns

    Mike Phillips cleared as local by FIBA, boosts Gilas depth for future campaigns

    A long-awaited eligibility breakthrough has finally arrived for Philippine basketball, as Mike Phillips is now officially cleared to represent Gilas Pilipinas without restrictions in all tournaments sanctioned by FIBA.

     

    The decision, announced by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, reshapes the national team’s long-term roster outlook by adding another versatile forward to the local player pool rather than occupying the lone naturalized slot.

     

    For years, Phillips’ eligibility status hovered in uncertainty despite his growing résumé in Philippine basketball. His athleticism and defensive presence had already made him a key figure for the De La Salle Green Archers, where he captured Finals MVP honors during their UAAP championship run. 

     

    However, international participation remained complicated after he was previously categorized as a naturalized player—an issue that even prevented him from suiting up in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games follow-up campaign hosted in Thailand.

     

    That classification has now been resolved, SBP officials acknowledged FIBA’s quick response in granting the reclassification, calling it a crucial step in strengthening the national program’s depth as it continues to balance youth development and international competitiveness.

     

    Phillips becomes the latest Fil-Am player to gain unrestricted status, following the recent case of Quentin Millora-Brown. Similar rulings in previous years also benefited players like Chris Newsome and Greg Slaughter, signaling a broader shift in how eligibility cases tied to Philippine heritage are being evaluated.

     

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    For Phillips, the decision carries emotional weight beyond roster flexibility,”handa na po akong lumaban para sa ating bansa! Ibibigay ko lahat ng kaya ko at ng buong puso ko!” he said in a statement. “I cannot wait to compete alongside my fellow Filipinos as we continue pushing Philippine basketball forward.”

     

    He also emphasized the significance of finally achieving a longtime personal goal.”It’s a blessing and a huge honor to actually be eligible to represent the Philippines. The opportunity to play for the national team is a longtime dream and an answered prayer,” he said.

     

    “I’m beyond grateful to FIBA, the SBP, and everyone who supported this process.”

     

    The timing could prove pivotal for Gilas, especially under head coach Tim Cone, whose system relies heavily on versatility, switching defense, and high-motor forwards—areas where Phillips has consistently thrived.

     

    With his eligibility questions now settled, Phillips shifts from being a future option to an immediate asset, giving Gilas another energetic piece as it continues building toward upcoming continental and global competitions. 

     

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  • Carmelo Anthony credits Stephen Curry for transforming modern basketball

    Carmelo Anthony credits Stephen Curry for transforming modern basketball

    Few players in NBA history can speak on greatness with the authority of Carmelo Anthony.

     

    A Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, Anthony spent nearly two decades competing at the highest level in the National Basketball Association, sharing the court with and battling against some of the greatest talents the game has ever seen. Yet when asked to name the player who truly changed the league’s landscape, Anthony pointed to one name: Stephen Curry.

     

    Speaking on the latest episode of his “7PM in Brooklyn” podcast, the 10-time NBA All-Star reflected on Curry’s transformative influence on modern basketball, emphasizing how the Golden State icon redefined offensive strategy and defensive preparation across the league.

     

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    “Oh, Steph changed the game. When it comes to how you approach the game and how you prepare for the game, it’s all because of Steph. The way he was able to transcend the shot-making ability and extend the three-point from the actual three-point line to damn near half-court. It made you think differently on how you wanted to guard him, how you defended him, how you defended the Warriors,” Anthony said.

     

    Anthony did not hesitate to label Curry as a generational disruptor.

     

    “So, I just think he is a game-changer. He changed the game. I think the game he changed will be changed for a long time,” he added.

    Now in his 17th NBA season, the 37-year-old Curry continues to perform at an elite level for the Golden State Warriors. Despite the wear and tear of a long career, the superstar guard is averaging 27.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, while shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from beyond the arc in 31.3 minutes across 39 appearances this season.

     

    While Curry’s individual brilliance remains intact, Golden State’s campaign has been less dominant. The Warriors currently sit eighth in the Western Conference standings with a 29–27 record, fighting to solidify playoff positioning in a tightly contested conference.

     

    Still, Anthony believes that as long as Curry remains at the center of the franchise, the Warriors will continue to be a threat.

     

    “Well, they are going to compete. They are going to fight. Those guys are going to compete and fight until the wheels fall off over there. So as long as they are there, they are going to give themselves a fighting chance.

     

    “As long as Steph is Steph, and you still got Draymond Green over there, you still got pieces over there. Until they decide that this is it, they are still going to be competitive,” he added.

     

    Curry’s impact extends far beyond box scores and standings. Widely regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history, he revolutionized the modern game by stretching defensive boundaries and redefining the value of the three-point shot. His ability to consistently convert from well beyond the arc has forced teams to rethink spacing, defensive schemes, and roster construction.

     

    What once seemed like high-risk shot selection is now standard practice across all levels of basketball — from youth leagues to the professional ranks — largely because of Curry’s influence.

    As he continues to add to his legacy, Curry remains both a statistical marvel and a cultural force within the sport. Every deep three-pointer and clutch performance serves as another reminder of his enduring excellence.

     

    For Anthony, who witnessed the evolution firsthand, the verdict is clear: the NBA that exists today — one built on pace, spacing, and perimeter shooting — bears the unmistakable imprint of Stephen Curry. And if his current form is any indication, the story of his impact is still being written.

     

     

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