When it comes to top NBA players, few have had the success Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry has, as shown by NBA picks today. While foot speed and other intangibles may slow with aging, Curry has shown that his dedication to being a top-tier shooter is a skill he has been able to keep at the top of the league.
So far this season, Curry is averaging 32.3 points, 7.1 assists and 6.7 rebounds per game. While the 2022-23 season still has a long way to go, Curry has shown an ability to put up strong numbers. If Curry averaged more than 30 points per game for the entire season, it would only be the third time he has done that in his career.
Here’s a look at how the 6-foot-2 Davidson product was able to become a strong player and what his third act could look like.
Basketball was in Curry’s blood
Curry was born in Akron while his dad, Dell, was playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. When Dell wrapped up his pro career, the family settled back in Charlotte. While Steph initially dreamed of playing for Virginia Tech, they only wanted to offer him as a walk-on due to his size. Curry instead would head to Davidson College.
Playing in the Southern Conference would prove good for Curry. During the 2008 NCAA Tournament, he made his presence known on the big stage. Curry was named the region’s most outstanding player as he helped the Wildcats beat Gonzaga, Georgetown, and Wisconsin to advance to the Elite 8. Kansas would eliminate Davidson, but Curry has gotten his name out to a national audience.
Golden State gets their man
Curry was picked by Golden State as the No. 8 pick in the 2009 draft. It was clear from early on that Curry would be counted on to be the face of the Warriors. He started 77 games in his rookie season and shot 43.7 percent from the 3-point line.
Golden State would continue to add pieces over the next few seasons. Shooting guard Klay Thompson, who would team with Curry to become one of the “Splash Brothers”, and Draymond Green would be taken over the next few seasons to become long-time teammates. But Golden State took off in 2015 when Steve Kerr took over as coach.
Early dynasty, rivalry with LeBron
Golden State broke through in 2015, winning its first title since 1977 by beating LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in four games. In 2016, however, the Warriors and Curry won 73 regular season games, then lost to Cleveland in seven games in the NBA Final. This loss would reverberate through the league.
Golden State would recruit Kevin Durant to come and help the Warriors battle James. Golden State would win the 2017 and 2018 titles before losing to Toronto in 2019.
Curry’s health declines
Injury issues started to creep in for Curry during the 2017-18 season. He started 89 games in a season during the 2016-17 season. Since then, the most regular-season games Curry has played in was 69. During the 2019-20 season, Curry only played in five games following an injury early in the season.
It appeared Curry and Golden State’s time as a dynasty may be running out. In the two seasons before the 2021-22 season, the Warriors missed the postseason. But Curry and the Warriors dug deep to prove something in 2012.
Back on top
The Warriors’ run to a fourth championship was a little surprising. Curry was injured toward the end of the regular season and was iffy for the start of the playoff run. Curry’s 3-pointer shooting had declined below 40 percent, and there were concerns that he could hold up in the playoffs.
However, Curry, who finished last season averaging 25.5 points per game, and his teammates found their rhythm in the postseason. Golden State made a run to the finals and won their fourth title with Curry by beating Boston in six games. The Warriors had rebuilt themselves once again using players they’ve drafted, like Jordan Poole, and bringing in experienced players who could fit their system.
