Phoenix Suns rookie Josh Jackson invited controversy after describing Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry as “small and unathletic” during an interview with Vice Sports. During the interview, which was posted by Vice Sports on YouTube, Jackson was asked which player he compares himself to the least. He quickly replied "Curry" but he added “just because he’s known as a shooter and I’m not and he’s small and unathletic.” Jackson, the fourth overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, said that he’s a really big fan of San Antonio Spurs superstar Kawhi Leonard, for his outstanding play on both ends of the floor.

Jackson clarifies 'unathletic' statement

On his Twitter account, Jackson later clarified his previous statement, saying that his definition of athletic “is a guy who flies through the lane and plays above the rim.” He also criticized the media for making a story out of anything, adding that they should “stop twisting people's words.” The 6-foot-8 Jackson played just one season with Kansas, averaging 16.3 points, 7.4 boards and 3.0 dimes in 35 games with the Jayhawks. It was not the first time that Jackson created controversy. Before the 2017 NBA Draft, the Boston Celtics were expected to select him at No. 3 but he cancelled his workout at the last minute. The decision angered the Celtics, who then selected Jayson Tatum at No.

3 while Jackson dropped to No. 4 to the Suns. Jackson will have a chance to test Curry’s mettle when the Suns visit the Warriors on Feb. 12 at Oracle Arena.

Curry one of the best NBA players

While Jackson has yet to play a single NBA regular-season game, the 6-foot-3 Curry has established himself as one of the league’s best players.

He won the MVP trophy twice in 2015 and 2016 and led the NBA in scoring during the 2015-16 season with an average of 30.1 points per game. He also led the Warriors to two NBA titles in the past three seasons. Curry has been selected as an All-Star four times and made it to the All-NBA First Team in 2015 and 2016. Recently, Curry signed a supermax five-year deal with the Warriors worth $201 million.

Recently, Dan Favale of Bleacher Report ranked Curry as the No. 1 point guard in the NBA, based solely on expected value for the upcoming year. Favale said the entry of Kevin Durant to the Warriors has not diminished Curry’s value as the league's best point guard. While Curry sometimes yields crucial touches to Durant, he remains the main option in clutch situations for the Warriors.