Jeff Teague disputes Monta Ellis's Warriors hypothetical

Former NBA player Jeff Teague has weighed in on a debate regarding the Golden State Warriors' success, specifically addressing claims made by Monta Ellis. Ellis recently suggested that the Warriors could have achieved the same championship success even if he had been substituted for Stephen Curry.

Teague, who played with Ellis at the Indiana Pacers, disputed this assertion, stating that Ellis was never superior to Curry. While acknowledging Ellis's talent, Teague argued that the two possess vastly different playing styles. Teague proposed that Damian Lillard would be the only contemporary player capable of potentially delivering similar results for the franchise in Curry's absence.

Statistical comparisons highlight the gap between the players: Curry is a two-time MVP and the NBA's all-time leader in three-pointers, while Ellis never participated in an All-Star Game. The debate also touches upon the historical context of the Warriors, noting that the team previously considered a trade involving Ellis and Curry, a deal that ultimately did not materialize.