Stephen Curry Names Former UCLA Star Among Toughest NBA Defenders Ever

In a recent interview with the Today Show, Warriors superstar guard Steph Curry was asked to name the three toughest defenders he's ever had to face in the league.

One of the three names that Curry gave his respects to was a man that first made his name on the defensive side of the ball for the Bruins many years ago.

"There's a group of 3 that always a light bulb went off when they're on the court. Jrue Holiday, Tony Allen and Ron Artest."

Stephen Curry on the toughest defenders he's played against.

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It's quite the honor coming from the two-time MVP and the NBA's all time leader in threes made, but Holiday has earned this honor and then some.

Not only has Holiday earned the respect of Curry, but retrospective lists on some of the league's best college stars and other elite guards in the NBA sing his praises on the defensive side of the ball.

First drafted to the Sixers in 2009, Holiday played four seasons in Philadelphia including his first All-Star selection in 2013 averaging 18 points, eight assists, four rebounds and nearly two steals a night.

Kicking off the "Process" era of the Sixers, Holiday was dealt to New Orleans where he would pair with Anthony Davis for a majority of his tenure there.

The highlight of his time with the Pelicans likely came in a first round matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers after some tough defense and gritty team play meant a sweep for the Big Easy.

Holiday's defense on Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum throughout the series brought his name to national prominence.

After some unsuccessful years to end his Pelicans tenure, Holiday moved on to Milwaukee where he became the missing piece to the championship puzzle for the Bucks.

Named to three NBA All-Defensive teams in his time with Milwaukee since the trade, Holiday added a ring to his trophy case in 2021 and another All-Star nod in 2023 a decade after his first selection.

Despite a shocking first round exit last season, Holiday is hoping to bounce back to hound Curry and the rest of the league next year.