Stephen Curry may not be the tallest or most muscular player in the NBA, but he sure has made an undeniable impact on the game of basketball. The Golden State Warriors star has revolutionized the way we see the sport, both on and off the court, and has earned himself a spot in the conversation as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Curry’s rise to fame wasn’t immediate. He was the seventh overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, and it took him a few seasons to prove himself as a valuable player for the Warriors. However, his breakthrough came in the 2014-15 season when he became the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), leading the Warriors to a championship title and setting an NBA record for most threes made in a season with 286.
Since then, Curry has continued to break records and challenge the way the game is played. One of his most significant impacts has been on the three-point shot. Curry’s deadly shot from beyond the arc has forced other teams to improve their perimeter defense, and he has inspired players to develop their own deep range. In fact, since Curry’s historic 2015 season, the number of threes attempted in the league has skyrocketed, and the three-point shot has become a more significant component in the game.
However, Curry is more than just a three-point shooter. His ball-handling skills are unparalleled, and he has made it fashionable for point guards to have elite-level dribbling and passing abilities. This shift in the role of point guards in the league is undeniably influenced by Curry’s success, and younger players are now encouraged to develop a similar skill set to his.
Furthermore, Curry’s success has made a significant impact off the court as well. His captivating personality has helped him become one of the most marketable players in the league. His collaboration with Under Armour on his signature shoe line has made him one of the best-selling athletes in the sneaker industry, rivaling the likes of Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
Curry has also made an impact on the culture surrounding basketball. The rise of “Dub Nation” – the Warriors’ fan base – has brought excitement and attention to the league. With three championships in four years from 2015 to 2018, the Warriors became a dominant force in the league, and the Curry-led team has become the standard for what a successful franchise should look like.
In conclusion, Stephen Curry has made a significant impact on the game of basketball, both on and off the court. His success has redefined the role of point guards, elevated the significance of the three-point shot, and brought new attention and excitement to the league. Curry’s lasting legacy will undoubtedly influence the next generation of basketball players, and his impact on the culture of the sport will continue to be felt for years to come.