Stephen Curry Discusses Impact on Next Generation
In a revealing discussion on the “Mind the Game” podcast, Stephen Curry, the star guard for the Golden State Warriors, shared his thoughts on the impact of his playing style on the next generation of basketball talent, particularly highlighting the emergence of Trae Young. During a conversation with Lakers superstar LeBron James and former player and coach Steve Nash, Curry recounted how he truly recognized his influence in the sport when Young entered the NBA, as many began to call him the ‘next Stephen Curry.’
“Even though he’s a different player, I knew of him from high school. That was when it hit me – my impact was significant,” Curry stated.
Humorous Exchanges and Game Transformation
Their exchange took a humorous turn when James referenced a famous remark made by Curry’s former coach Mark Jackson, who had said on an ESPN telecast in 2015 that Curry had “ruined the game” by inspiring numerous young players to try their hand at long-range shooting, albeit without the same accuracy.
“What Mark didn’t realize is that he ruined the league too,” James joked, acknowledging the transformation of the game into a three-point shooting spectacle.
Nash pointed out a critical moment in Curry’s career, noting his dramatic increase in three-point attempts—from 646 in the 2014-15 season to an astounding 886 the next year. This leap in shooting volume catalyzed a shift in league culture, setting a new standard for shooting prowess among players. With Curry at the forefront, teams now routinely see multiple players attempt hundreds of three-pointers each season.
Shifts in Mindset and Shooting Techniques
Curry credited former General Manager Bob Myers for encouraging this shift in mindset regarding shot selection.
“Bob was the first person to suggest that I should aim for 15 three-point attempts per game,” Curry recalled. “Initially, I thought, ‘That’s a tall order’ but he showed me the math behind it. The game has evolved tremendously since then.”
As the podcast progressed, Nash recounted a preseason memory of trying to defend a younger Curry, a moment that marked a shift in his own career perspective. The discussion then pivoted toward Curry’s shooting techniques and the intricacies of the Warriors’ offensive strategies.
Analyzing Iconic Matchups
The episode concluded with the trio analyzing Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, where they discussed key plays showcasing how Curry and the Warriors successfully maneuvered against James and the Cavaliers. They hinted at a forthcoming addition to their discussion, which would spotlight James’ performances in one of the most iconic matchups in playoff history, where the Cavaliers came out on top 93-89.
“This is the happiest I’ve ever been watching this game,” Curry remarked as they indulged in the highlights, illustrating the joy and camaraderie shared among these basketball legends.
The complete episode is now available for fans on YouTube, promising more engaging insights from these NBA icons.
