"Has a much bigger side of haters" - Ryan Whitney compares likeness of LeBron James & Stephen Curry

Former NHLer Ryan Whitney has been connected with sports, on and off the ice, for over two decades. His opinions on hockey are deemed highly important in the NHL community. Whitney recently shared his thoughts on NBA superstar Stephen Curry.

On Sunday's episode of Barstool Sports’ "Spittin’ Chiclets," Whitney heaped praise on Curry as a universally liked athlete. He discussed the popularity of Curry and compared it to his fellow NBA star LeBron James.

"Steph Curry might be one of the coolest athletes ever,” Whitney said. “Usually with some of the great ones, there's people who can't stand them. I would say LeBron has a pretty, um…”

Before he could finish, Paul Bissonnette interjected, mentioning that LeBron James is a “polarizing guy." Whitney agreed, pointing out that LeBron has a more intense group of critics than Curry.

“Yes, he has a much bigger side of haters," Whitney said. "Seems like Steph Curry is just liked by all. And then he puts on this show just draining three after three. The one picture of him hitting a three over two guys."

"And Durant and LeBron are just wide open on the other side of the arc. And they're just looking like this. Chucks it up.”

Whitney went on to praise Curry’s game. He even claimed the Dubs superstar’s display at the 2024 Paris Olympics was more "thrilling" than regular NBA basketball.

---

Ryan Whitney wouldn't want to coach the Ottawa Senators

Earlier last week on "Spittin' Chiclets," Ryan Whitney and Paul Bissonnette discussed the future of the Ottawa Senators and the Montreal Canadiens. During the conversation, they also discussed the Habs’ prospects, including up-and-coming goaltender Jacob Fowler.

While picking which team they would prefer to manage between the Habs and the Senators, Whitney and Bissonnette leaned towards Montreal.

"I think of this guy, just dominating everywhere he goes," Whitney said. "He's going to be in the NHL at some point. Then they have a new star goalie, as Montreal always has over all these years. I just don't take the Ottawa Senators seriously."

Whitney also expressed skepticism about Ottawa's chances but acknowledged their passionate fanbase.

"I know the passion's there, and I know the fanbase is proud, but that arena in the middle of a field and this organization's last few years has me just out,” he said.

Whether any of the two NHL legends will take up coaching professionally in the future remains to be seen.