Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry believes the arrival of players like Trae Young made him realise that he has had a positive impact in the NBA. Curry is known as one of the best three-point shooters in the league and has played a key role in the success of the Dubs.
The star guard has also inspired the new generation of players with his impressive game on the court and the fact that young players are attempting more threes, is because of Curry.
Los Angeles Lakers’ legend LeBron James specifically asked Curry on Mind the Game podcast, along with Steve Nash: “When did you figure out, holy s—, Steph, what you’re doing on the floor is transcending a whole generation of players?”
Curry’s response? “When Trae Young came into the league, that was the first person they said was like the ‘next’ me,” Curry said of Young. “Even though he’s a different player. I knew him when he was in high school … That might be the first time I thought about it or really realized what [my] impact was.”
In 2015, Curry’s former coach Mark Jackson said Curry is ruining the NBA as the young players are attempting more 3s, but they don’t have the same accuracy.
“What Mark didn’t realize is he ruined the league, too,” James laughed. “Everyone shoots 3s now. Everyone. Sixty 3s a game, 50 3s a game. It’s all Steph. It’s all Steph.”
Meanwhile, Nash pointed out that Curry attempted 646 three-pointers in 2014-15, but that number jumped to 886 in the next term.
“You jumped 200 3s attempted,” Nash said. “From one season to the next, 200 3s attempted. Then, the league followed. [Damian Lillard] and Klay [Thompson]. Now it’s not uncommon for three or four guys on your roster to shoot hundreds of 3s [per season].”
Curry gave credit to his former general manager, Bob Myers, for that huge spike.
“Shot quality is still … the jury’s still out in the league,” Curry said. “Bob Myers was the first one to tell me, ‘You should shoot 15 3s a game.’ I’m like, ‘What? You know how hard it is to get 12 good looks up?’ But he said, ‘Why not? The math says 15 3s for you is great.’ But, yes, the game has morphed like crazy.”
“It’s all Steph,” James said. “It’s all Steph.”
While the Lakers have gotten off to a 6-2 start to the ongoing season, the Warriors have had a 5-3 start.
