2. Five All-Defensive First Team Selections
From 2008-09 (his sixth season in Cleveland) through 2012-13 (the third of his four seasons with the Miami Heat) James was every bit as formidable on defense as he was with the basketball in his hands. While he has never led the NBA in steals, he remains capable of getting into passing lanes and either igniting a fast break or streaking toward the basket for a breakaway dunk. And he can still chase down an opponent from behind as well as deliver jaw-dropping blocked shots.
Curry’s average of 1.8 steals a game for his career is the same as James’. But until he can become so much as a second-team selection, there is no comparison between the two on the defensive end of the floor.
Next: Six Consecutive Years of Highest Player Efficiency Rating
