#30 Stephen Curry (LE) Exclusive

Wardell Stephen Curry II: The Greatest Shooter in NBA History

Wardell Stephen Curry II, known globally as Stephen Curry, is widely regarded as the greatest shooter in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA). His journey from a young basketball player in Ohio to a transformative figure in the sport is a tale of persistence, skill, and groundbreaking success.

Born on March 14, 1988, in Akron, Ohio, Stephen Curry was destined to be involved in basketball. His father, Dell Curry, was a sharpshooting guard who had a stellar NBA career of his own. Despite being born in Ohio, Stephen’s formative years were shaped in Charlotte, North Carolina, where his father played for the Charlotte Hornets. The Curry family moved to Charlotte when Dell was traded to the Hornets, and it was there that Stephen began to hone his basketball skills.

Though his father was an NBA player, Curry’s path to stardom was not without challenges. Slightly undersized and overlooked by major Division I programs, Curry was not seen as a surefire NBA prospect. His incredible shooting ability, however, set him apart. Curry eventually committed to play college basketball at Davidson College, a small school that wasn’t known for its basketball powerhouse status but soon became the center of attention thanks to Curry’s electrifying performances.

At Davidson, Curry wasted no time making a name for himself. His sophomore year in 2008 became the stuff of legend as he led the Davidson Wildcats on a Cinderella run to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament, defeating powerhouse teams along the way. Curry’s ability to shoot from long range, combined with his exceptional ball-handling skills, made him a standout player, despite his smaller frame compared to other NBA prospects.

By the end of his college career, Curry had established himself as one of the best scorers in NCAA history. He left Davidson as the school’s all-time leading scorer, with his name firmly on the radar of NBA teams.

In the 2009 NBA Draft, Stephen Curry was selected 7th overall by the Golden State Warriors. Though highly touted for his shooting, there were still concerns about his slight frame and whether he could withstand the physical rigors of the NBA. His early years in the league were marred by repeated ankle injuries, raising doubts about whether he could fulfill his potential.

However, Curry’s determination to improve and strengthen his body proved critical. He underwent multiple surgeries and changed his training routine to enhance his ankle strength and mobility. These adjustments helped him overcome the injuries that once threatened his career, laying the foundation for his rise to greatness.

A pivotal moment in Curry’s career came when Mark Jackson took over as head coach of the Golden State Warriors in 2011. Jackson, a former NBA point guard, recognized Curry’s potential not just as a shooter but as a game-changing talent. Under Jackson’s guidance, Curry was given more freedom to shoot and lead the offense. Jackson famously declared that Curry and his teammate, Klay Thompson, were “the greatest shooting backcourt in the history of the NBA,” a statement that has since proven prophetic.

Jackson also emphasized defense, turning Curry from a one-dimensional scorer into a more complete player. While Jackson didn’t coach Curry during the Warriors’ championship runs, his influence during Curry’s developmental years was crucial in shaping the player that Curry would become.

Stephen Curry’s shooting ability revolutionized the NBA. His capacity to shoot accurately from anywhere on the court, especially from beyond the three-point line, forced teams to rethink defensive strategies. As Curry’s confidence grew, so did his accolades.

In 2015, Curry led the Warriors to their first NBA Championship in 40 years. That same season, he won his first NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. His dominance continued into the following season, where he was named the first unanimous MVP in NBA history, becoming the only player to ever achieve this distinction in 2016.

Alongside his accolades, Curry led the Warriors to a dynasty-like dominance, winning four NBA Championships (2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022). His long-range shooting, quick release, and unparalleled off-the-ball movement redefined how basketball is played, inspiring a generation of players to focus on shooting and perimeter play.

Stephen Curry has not only changed the game of basketball but also inspired countless young athletes to believe that with the right skills, hard work, and determination, they too can leave an indelible mark on the sport.

“BE DIFFERENT”, “BE ORIGINAL”, “BE YOU”