Stephen Curry is the NBA's reigning MVP, centerpiece of the World Champion Golden State Warriors, and one of the most polarizing athletes in any sport today.
His game has reached Everest like heights, where every contest is deemed must-see-TV, as longstanding NBA records seem to be in danger every night the Warriors take the floor.
Given his level of play, along with the current success of his team, does Curry feel he is the No. 1 player on the planet?
"In my mind, yes," Curry told Time, when asked if he was the best player in the world.
"That’s how I have confidence out there that I can play at a high level every night. I don’t get into debates, arguing with people about why I am versus somebody else. I feel like anybody who’s at the level I’m trying to be at, if you don’t think that when you’re on the floor, then you’re doing yourself a disservice."
Teammate Draymond Green has often called Curry the face of the NBA.
How does Curry respond to that?
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"I embrace that," he said. "I don’t know if that’s a black and white answer. You’ve got to be a winner, and have all the right trajectory as a player and as a team to back that up. Whatever comes out of that is cool.
"The way I try to represent my family and coaches, I think all are characteristics the league aspires to portray. That’s just who I am. It’s not changing anything about me to fulfill that role," Curry added.
Twenty seven games into the 2015-16 season, Curry is currently No. 1 in the league in points per game (31.8). Rockets' James Harden (28.8), Thunder's Kevin Durant (26.8), Cavaliers' LeBron James (26.5) and Pacers' Paul George (25.5) round out the top five. Curry's 2.2 steals per game also put him in a four-person tie for second in the NBA.
Most importantly, the Warriors are league-best 26-1 behind Curry's dominance, while missing Harrison Barnes, Andrew Bogut and Klay Thompson at times.
Curry, 27, is also statistically on pace for the best season of his seven-year career, which could make him a favorite for a second consecutive MVP trophy.
