Amid the NBA offseason, New York Knicks star point guard Jalen Brunson recently hit the golf course with his teammate Josh Hart. During their golf match, Brunson comically attempted to name his top three NBA golfers, headlined by Golden State Warriors superstar point guard Steph Curry.
Golfing has long been a popular pastime for NBA players, with Curry among the most notable stars who have taken up the hobby. The four-time NBA champion has participated in numerous golf tournaments, including winning the 2023 American Century Championship, a renowned celebrity golf competition.
So, when asked on Tuesday to name the NBA’s three best golfers, Brunson didn’t hesitate to give Curry his No. 1 spot.
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“I’m gonna say Steph, for sure,” Brunson said. “Everyone just knows Steph’s the GOAT, for sure. He can do no wrong.”
Afterward, Brunson struggled to name another player, turning to Hart for assistance. After asking his teammate, “Who else golfs in the NBA,” Brunson picked LA Lakers shooting guard Austin Reaves.
The undrafted guard finished tied for 13th at this year’s American Century Championship, establishing himself as one of the NBA’s top up-and-coming golfers.
However, Brunson opted not to name a third player outside of Curry and Reaves, leaving it up to the reporter to decide.
“Oh, Austin Reaves! Steph, Austin Reaves and whoever you wanna put third,” Brunson said.
The reporter quipped that Brunson could take the final spot on his list. However, the one-time All-Star laughingly dismissed the notion.
“Nah, don’t put me third,” Brunson said.
Austin Reaves once ranked himself over Steph Curry as NBA’s “best golfer,” contrasting Jalen Brunson’s opinion
While Jalen Brunson seemingly views Steph Curry as the NBA’s clear-cut best golfer, Austin Reaves sees things differently.
During a 2023 appearance on “The Lowe Post” podcast with NBA insider Zach Lowe, Reaves proclaimed himself the league’s “best golfer.” Lowe pushed back, noting that Curry is the “consensus answer” among fans.
However, Reaves appeared unfazed, adding that he would confidently take on anyone in a golf match, including Curry and golfing legend Tiger Woods.
“Hey, I’m down to play golf whenever, wherever against anybody,” Reaves said. “I love golf so much, I’d go play Tiger. Obviously, I don’t have any expectation of winning that one … but I would love to play against Steph.”
However, Reaves will likely need to add significantly more accolades to his golfing resume before fans crown him the NBA’s premier golfer over Curry.
