When it comes to shooting greatness in the NBA, Klay Thompson isn’t one to hand out comparisons lightly - especially when the name Stephen Curry is involved.
After the Rockets’ matchup with the Mavericks on Saturday, Thompson was asked about a nickname that’s been making the rounds among Houston fans. The moniker?
“Cocaine Curry” - a nod to rookie guard Reed Sheppard’s electric shooting stroke and fast-paced style. But for Thompson, the comparison crossed a line.
“I think Reed’s a great shooter,” Thompson said, “but I don't think anyone should ever be in the same sentence with Steph though. That’s crazy. That’s a little crazy.”
And just like that, the four-time NBA champion made his stance crystal clear. For Thompson - who’s spent his entire career alongside Curry, helping redefine modern NBA offense with their combined shooting gravity - there’s simply no substitute for the real thing.
This isn’t just about defending a teammate. It’s about recognizing the once-in-a-generation impact Curry continues to have on the game.
Even now, deep into his career, Curry is still putting up elite numbers: 27.2 points per game on 46.8% shooting from the field and 39.1% from deep. That’s not just longevity - that’s sustained brilliance.
And while Sheppard’s early production is promising - 12.7 points per game on 42.9% shooting overall and 39% from three - Thompson’s reaction is a reminder of just how high the bar is when you’re talking about Steph.
Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has shown flashes of why the Rockets are excited about his future. His shooting mechanics are clean, his confidence is evident, and he’s already carving out a role on a young, energetic Houston squad. But as Thompson alluded to, promise alone doesn’t grant you access to the Curry conversation.
Curry didn’t just change the way the game is played - he changed what’s possible. He’s the reason defenders pick up shooters 30 feet from the hoop.
He’s the reason kids in driveways are pulling up from the logo. And for players like Thompson, who lived every step of that revolution, it’s personal.
So while “Cocaine Curry” might be a fun fan nickname, don’t expect the guys who’ve seen the real thing up close to play along. In Thompson’s eyes, there’s Steph - and then there’s everyone else.