UPDATE: In a compelling new interview, Golden State Warriors star guard Stephen Curry discusses his profound influence on the NBA, pinpointing the arrival of Trae Young as a pivotal moment. During a recent episode of the “Mind the Game” podcast with LeBron James and Steve Nash, Curry revealed how he first recognized the extent of his impact on the sport, stating, “When Trae Young came into the league, that was the first person they said was like the ‘next’ me.”
Curry’s candid remarks come at a time of heightened interest in the evolving landscape of the NBA. He noted, “Even though he’s a different player…I knew him when he was in high school.” This admission underscores the transformative effect Curry has had on young athletes and the game itself, making this discussion particularly relevant for fans and aspiring players alike.
During the podcast, Curry humorously referenced a remark from his former coach Mark Jackson, who famously claimed that Curry “ruined the game” by inspiring a generation of players to emulate his long-range shooting—despite lacking his accuracy. James chimed in, emphasizing the widespread impact, stating, “Everyone shoots 3s now. Everyone. Sixty 3s a game, 50 3s a game. It’s all Steph.”
Developing: Nash highlighted Curry’s dramatic leap in three-point attempts, jumping from 646 in the 2014-15 season to 886 the following year, which he termed a “seminal development” in the league’s shooting style. This trend indicates a fundamental shift in the NBA’s offensive strategies, with more players now shooting hundreds of three-pointers each season.
Curry credited his former general manager Bob Myers for encouraging this change, recounting, “Bob Myers was the first one to tell me, ‘You should shoot 15 3s a game.'” He reflected on the initial surprise of that advice, adding, “But he said, ‘Why not? The math says 15 3s for you is great.'”
The conversation also delved into Curry’s shooting mechanics and the intricate strategies behind the Warriors’ offense. Nash shared a personal anecdote about defending a younger Curry, humorously reflecting on how it marked the beginning of his career’s decline.
The podcast culminated in a film breakdown of Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, where Curry and the Warriors capitalized on defensive mismatches against James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. As they analyzed key moments from this historic game, Curry expressed, “This is the happiest I’ve ever been watching this game.”
The insightful dialogue between these NBA legends not only highlights Curry’s impressive legacy but also sets the stage for an upcoming second part of their conversation, which promises to further explore the nuances of their storied rivalry.
Fans and analysts are urged to tune in for the full episode available now on YouTube, as more revelations and discussions about the future of the NBA are expected to emerge. The impact of Curry’s career on the game continues to be a hot topic, making this podcast a must-listen for basketball enthusiasts worldwide.