Iman Shumpert Calls Stephen Curry the Hardest NBA Player to Defend
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Former NBA guard Iman Shumpert says no one presents a tougher defensive challenge than Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry, according to remarks published on March 4, 2026.
In comments reported by the New York Post, Shumpert—known throughout his pro career as a tenacious perimeter defender—singled out Curry when asked which opponent was the most difficult to contain. The four-time NBA champion’s combination of shooting range, quick release and off-ball movement, Shumpert said, makes him uniquely challenging for any defender.
Shumpert, a first-round pick in 2011 who spent parts of 10 seasons in the league, has matched up with many of the NBA’s elite scorers. Even so, he noted that Curry’s relentless motion and ability to create space the moment he crosses half-court separate the Warriors guard from every other player he has faced.
“With Steph,” Shumpert explained, “you can do everything right and he can still beat you.”
The former Knicks and Cavaliers guard’s assessment adds to Curry’s growing reputation among peers as one of the most unguardable players in modern basketball.
Source: New York Post
