Very few people know that a former NBA champion played on teams alongside LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kobe Bryant at various points in his career.
Throughout his 12-year career, Ronny Turiaf had the opportunity to play with some of the greatest NBA players ever. In an exclusive interview with Liam Solomon of Basketball Insiders, Turiaf cited the three legends as some of his all-time finest teammates.
Ronny Turiaf on playing with LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kobe Bryant
“Top five NBA teammates of all time, I will start at point guard position. Steph Curry at the 1. Kobe Bryant at the 2. At the 3, I would put Lebron James, at the 4 I’ll put Chris Bosh and at the 5 I would put myself,” Turiaf said.
The LA Lakers selected Ronny Turiaf with the 37th overall choice in the 2006 NBA Draft. Before signing on with the Golden State Warriors as a free agent in 2008, Turiaf played alongside Kobe Bryant for three seasons. He shared the court with Steph Curry for two years before being traded to the New York Knicks in 2010. With Carmelo Anthony, Turiaf formed a team in New York. He then joined John Wall on the Washington Wizards after being moved there. In 2012, he was transferred once more to the Denver Nuggets before being released.
He was signed by the Miami Heat to play alongside LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. Before joining the LA Clippers in 2013, Turiaf earned his lone title with the Heat during that campaign. He finished his career playing with the Minnesota Timberwolves alongside Kevin Love.
Considering that he had heart surgery while a college student, Turiaf has had a remarkable career in the NBA. He later played alongside some of the greatest players in history and won a title.
Difference between Curry, King James and Kobe
During the same interview with Basketball Insiders’ Liam Solomon, Ronny Turiaf outlined the characteristics that set great players apart from average ones. Turiaf remarked that Steph Curry, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James all achieved success as a result of their enthusiasm and commitment.
“I think what sets those guys apart is the level of dedication that they each have to their craft. The level of burning desire to win a basketball game and to take everybody with them. They all lead in very different ways, they are very dedicated. I feel very fortunate to have had a chance to go to battle with them and have success with some and less with others,” he said.
With Bryant, Turiaf advanced to the 2008 NBA Finals where they were defeated by the Boston Celtics in six games. He played a supporting role for the Miami Heat during their 2012 championship season.