"It's all metrics, it has nothing to do with our feelings" - Gilbert Arenas on Steph Curry ranking higher than Kobe Bryant in the top 100 list

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"It's all metrics, it has nothing to do with our feelings" - Gilbert Arenas on Steph Curry ranking higher than Kobe Bryant in the top 100 list originally appeared on Basketball Network.
When Bleacher Report recently unveiled its list of the top 100 players in NBA history, fans across the basketball world were stunned by what many viewed as blatant disrespect towards Kobe Bryant. The Black Mamba was ranked just outside the top 10, landing at No. 11, one spot behind Stephen Curry.
While the majority of fans consider Kobe to be a better all-around player, a bigger inspiration, a more idolized figure and a more accomplished legend than Steph, Gilbert Arenas wasn't surprised by the ranking.
In fact, he explained why fans should question the metrics used for such rankings instead of doubting the greatness of any player placed above KB24.
Gil reacts to Steph being placed ahead of Kobe in the Top 100 list
Aside from the fact that Kobe has more championships (five to Curry's four) and one more Finals MVP, he also boasts seven additional All-Star selections, two more All-Star Game MVPs and four more All-NBA selections than Steph.
Kob' ranks fourth in total points (including the postseason and regular season), is tied for second in total All-NBA selections. The late Laker legend is also third in overall All-Star nods and third in 40-point games. Such stats reinforce the depth of his resume and why fans often hold him highly in the GOAT conversation.
Although many argue that Bryant was the second coming of Michael Jordan, while Curry revolutionized the modern game with his 3-point shooting, Arenas pointed out that the latter's higher placement in the rankings is clearly based on modern metrics. Fans shouldn't let that influence their personal views or emotional connection to either player.
"It's easier if you follow the same metrics that I follow. MVP? You get 1000 points. Scoring title? You get 900 (points). First Team All-Offense? You get 800 (points)," Arenas said.
"Then, you kinda see how they came up with it. Hence why, last month, because of the metric, I said when the new list comes out, I said Kobe fans and Curry fans… not real Kobe fans. But Kobe-Kobe fans. It's two different people… Kobe-Kobe fans and Curry fans are about to be at war because I looked at the criteria, I'm counting Steph's points, and I'm like, 'Ah! S–t!' It's all metrics, man, it has nothing to do with our feelings," the retired guard added.Should Kobe have been ahead of Steph?
If the argument against Kobe's ranking is based on the idea that he won three of his titles as a sidekick to Shaquille O'Neal, then it is only fair to bring up that Steph's championship path was significantly boosted by the presence of Kevin Durant.
Without KD joining the Golden State Warriors, there's no guarantee that Steph would have secured the 2017 and 2018 titles, especially after how the Cleveland Cavaliers stole the title from his grasp a year before. Even when the Warriors did win, it was Durant who earned Finals MVP honors both times.
Nevertheless, while debates and narratives can be shaped to support either side, whether one thinks Kobe should be higher or Steph deserves the edge, the truth is that both players are not just among the most accomplished in NBA history, but also among the most influential. They have each inspired generations with their game and drawn millions of fans towards the sport.This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 16, 2025, where it first appeared.