When asked about a viral nickname circulating among Houston Rockets fans, Klay Thompson made it clear where he stands — firmly in defense of Stephen Curry.
Rockets fans jokingly have dubbed rookie guard Reed Sheppard “Cocaine Curry,” a comparison rooted in Sheppard’s shooting ability. But for Thompson, the line between compliment and overreach was easy to spot.
“I think Reed’s a great shooter, but I don’t think anyone should ever be in the same sentence with Steph though,” Thompson told reporter Chancellor Johnson after the Dallas Mavericks’ game against the Rockets on Saturday. “That’s crazy. That’s a little crazy.”
Chopped it up with Klay Thompson for his thoughts on another shooter — Reed Sheppard.
I brought up Reed’s nickname, “Cocaine Curry”..
Klay Thompson was disgusted.. 😂 pic.twitter.com/nQv4us2jQW
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) February 1, 2026
Thompson’s reaction underscores just how singular Curry’s place remains in NBA history — and in the eyes of those who helped build the Warriors dynasty. Even deep into his career, Curry continues to set the standard for elite shooting and offensive impact.
This season, Curry is averaging 27.2 points per game while shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from 3-point range, numbers that reinforce why comparisons to him rarely are made lightly.
Sheppard, meanwhile, still is early in his NBA journey. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft is averaging 12.7 points per game while shooting 42.9 percent from the field and 39 percent from 3-point range with the Rockets this season.
Still, as Thompson made clear, promise alone doesn’t warrant Curry-level comparisons.
Great shooters might come and go — but Curry, in Thompson’s eyes, remains in a category all his own.
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