Despite his undeniable talent, Steph Curry faced some obstacles early in his career, as he was often criticized over his smaller stature compared to other NBA players. However, he never let his size hold him back. In fact, he even managed to use it to his advantage, revolutionizing the game with his unique style of play in the process.
After being drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 2009, Curry quickly made his presence felt in the big boys’ league, finishing his rookie season with 17.5 points per game. His exceptional shooting skills, incredible handles, and basketball IQ set him apart from his peers. Before long, “Chef Curry” became known for his otherworldly long-range shooting, often sinking shots from way beyond the three-point line with seeming ease.
Curry’s accuracy and consistency from deep forced opposing teams to adapt their defensive strategies, ultimately impacting how the game is being played. As the NBA shifted to a more offense-driven league, Curry believed that his style of play came in at the right time.
“Yeah, I have a different style of playing,” Curry told Inside Hoops in 2017. “It’s the way I’ve been playing since I can remember, so it’s natural to me. But the way the league is going, you’ve got to be able to shoot. You’ve got to have skill and be able to handle the ball and do a lot of different things and be as versatile as you can. Yeah, I’m very comfortable with how I’m playing, and I do it at a very high level.”
Steph will never be afraid to shoot
Due to his undeniable success from beyond the arc, Curry eventually became the Warriors’ go-to guy on the offensive end. In his third year in the league, Steph logged his career-best 3-point field goal percentage, finishing with 45.5%. As Curry hit his stride, shooting a lot of treys became a norm in the NBA, and the significant increase in three-point shot attempts in the league speaks volumes about his influence.
Like any other sharpshooter, Curry also had some cold-shooting nights. According to Steph, the key to regaining his rhythm when faced with a slump is simple: “Keep shooting.”
For Curry, each shot taken is an opportunity to fine-tune his technique and regain confidence. It also came in handy that Golden State acknowledges that every player encounters setbacks and periods of inconsistency, but it is how one responds to these obstacles that matters the most.
“Work your way out of a, quote-unquote, slump that way,” Curry said of his and the Warriors’ mentality when their shots are not falling. “I don’t know how you classify a team. We just want to win. Whether we shoot a lot of jumpers or find other ways to score, everybody is just focused on winning. It doesn’t matter how you characterize it.”
Understanding Curry’s greatness
After becoming the all-time leader in career three-point shots made, Curry has already cemented his name as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, shooters of all time. Impact-wise, Curry will be remembered as the player who introduced craftiness and long-range games to the NBA.
However, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has a unique insight into Curry’s greatness. For Kerr, Curry’s overall qualities go beyond just physical abilities, as his greatness stems from his fearlessness and precision. Kerr stressed that Curry’s game is not just about talent, but it’s about the mental strength to push boundaries and the meticulous attention to detail.
“He was taking shots that — in my basketball blood — every coach I ever had would have a heart attack watching those shots. I had to get over what was instilled in my brain about what was a good shot and what was a bad shot. With Steph, you have to understand, part of what makes him so powerful is that he’s going to steal the ball at midcourt and pull up from 40 feet,” Kerr once said.
Steph’s legacy goes beyond his unique style
Indeed, one of the most significant impacts Curry had on the NBA was popularizing the three-point shot. In addition to his shooting prowess, Curry’s flashy handles and crossovers made him a nightmare for defenders. His ability to create his shot off the dribble and navigate through traffic with finesse brought a new level of excitement to the game, and fans around the world were captivated by his electrifying playing style.
Curry’s success on the court also paved the way for other players, both young and established, to embrace a similar approach. His impact extended beyond the hardwood, influencing the next generation of basketball players to work on their shooting and ball-handling skills.
In conclusion, Curry’s resilience and unwavering dedication to the game have solidified his legacy as a game-changer in the NBA. When it’s all said and done, Steph’s name will forever be synonymous with innovation, skill, and a new era of basketball.
