Golden State Warriors Mailbag: Stephen Curry, Festus Ezeli, Steve Kerr

February 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates against the San Antonio Spurs during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Spurs 110-99. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Stephen Curry has been criticized throughout his career on his playing style. No one denies his elite shooting, but many people believe that he isn’t a true point guard because he’s more of a shooter than a typical pass-first point guard.

However, no matter what the critics say, Curry is one of the best point guards in the NBA. Is he the absolute best though statistically? Let’s discuss.

Curry has the second best scoring average (23.8 points per game) among point guards in the NBA, his assist total (7.9 assists per game) ranks sixth in the NBA, and he leads the NBA in steals at 2.2 per game. He also averages 4.6 rebounds per game, which is tied for sixth among point guards.

In terms of shooting percentages, Curry leads point guards in field goal percentage at 48.3 percent, and for three-point percentage, he is tied for fourth among point guards at 40.4 percent. Although, he leads point guards in most three-pointers made at 170 so far this season.

Russell Westbrook (0) and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) look on during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 117-91. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

All of these stats are impressive, for a point guard and in general. There’s one player though that has similar or better statistics in most of these categories, except for the shooting percentages. That player is Russell Westbrook.

As mentioned, Westbrook is definitely not the shooter that Curry is. Westbrook shoots just 43.7 percent from the field and 29.1 percent from three-point range.

However, here’s the rest of his stat line for the 2014-15 season: 25.9 points per game (second in the NBA and first among point guards), 6.5 rebounds (leads point guards), 8.0 assists (fifth in the NBA), and two steals per game (second in the NBA).

Compared to Curry, Westbrook has a higher point, rebound, and assist average. Curry holds the advantage in field goal percentage, three-point percentage, and steals.

I believe Curry is the better overall point guard to Westbrook because of his shooting ability, and although Westbrook has shown higher assist totals in recent games, Curry is generally more selfless than Westbrook, in terms of passing and setting up teammates.

Westbrook might be statistically better in certain categories, but Curry is the best point guard in the NBA right now.

Next: Will Ezeli Earn More Minutes?